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In Blade Runner 2049 the main character K tells a story from his childhood. He states that he once had a wooden toy horse, and some bullies tried to take it away from him. But K managed to hide the horse, so it was never found. After that, K's superior said:

We're all just looking out for something real.

What is the meaning of this phrase in the context?
"we're looking for something real" or "We all care about something real"?

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    I'd say the former. Similar to when someone says, "I'll keep my eye out for it" when you tell them you're looking for something specific.
    – Johnny Bones
    Jan 8, 2018 at 16:58
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    I interpreted as such: "Humans" are looking for "real Love" (and other typic questions/quests we may have), etc, and Replicant are looking for "real sensations, memories, childhood" as close to a human possible. And both and not looking for false/simulated/fake sensations/memories, etc.
    – Larme
    Jan 8, 2018 at 17:22
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    I think it could be a double entendra where in that context, it sounds like he's downplaying K's story by making it out that, looking for 'something real' (or meaning in things) is trival and that K isn't special, he's just like the rest. But in terms of Bladerunner in general, that response provokes the audience to consider what real is, including if there is meaning in memory, even "flase" memories.
    – Darth Locke
    Jan 8, 2018 at 21:18
  • Shortly after, she also says, "What happens if I finish this?" in reference to K's liquor. I think it was a flirtation, which solidifies the idea in context that "something real" is that which makes us feel.
    – jsejcksn
    May 19, 2018 at 22:46

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What determines humanity?

This is a common theme in the Blade Runner universe and is strongly echoed in Blade Runner 2049. What Joshi is saying is that we all look for that thing in our our lives that gives us meaning, and determines our humanity.

One of the original writers of Blade runner, Hampton Fancher, who is also one of the main writers of Blade Runner 2049 has said in a recent interview with Sonia Shechet Epstein (Sloan):

Sonia Epstein: Discerning difference between replicants and humans is central to BLADE RUNNER. You said you’re not a science fiction person, but why are you interested in replicants and artificial intelligence?

Hampton Fancher: I am interested in what it is to be human as in humane, and how so much of our history is the opposite. The solution to that, to some degree, is empathy. We’re lost because of our inability to live within our empathetic impulses, but the contradictions are intriguing. That’s in BLADE RUNNER. Plus the idea of perfecting ourselves... .
-Museum of the Moving Image | Sloane Science & Film, 2017-09-29, 'Interview with Writer Hampton Fancher of Blade Runner', by Sonia Shechet Epstein

Throughout the film, K struggles to find his place, to find meaning in his meaningless life. Is he just a Replicant Blade Runner, or is there more to him?

This struggle is not limited to the likes of K. Every Blade runner feels this existential crisis, as does every Replicant.

Even Roy Batty struggled to find his place, even though he was 'perfect'; he still gouged his maker's eyes out, only to finally save Deckard's life and prove his 'humanity'.

This is reflected in the 'ask the dog' scene between K and Deckard; when K sees the dog, he asks Deckard if he's 'real', to which Deckard replies:

I dunno, ask him.

It doesn't matter in reality whether you're 'real' or not, it's what you do that defines you. This is what K ultimately ended up doing, showing his humanity by doing the most human thing to do

...die for a worthy cause

Joshi's statement to K is a precursor to his actions.

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