we've all watched plenty of Alien arrival films in our time - Independence day, War of the worlds, Invasion of the body snatchers - I could go on all day, but Arrival is a radical and refreshing new take on this form
Arrival is smart, interesting and the most captivated I’ve been while watching alien movies since E.T. But what makes this alien film so interesting and unique?
The story follows Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a world renowned linguist who works at a university teaching language. Early on we see that she has lost a child in a tragic accident. When the aliens arrive, herself and scientist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) are recruited by Colonel Webber (Forest Whitaker), a tough-talking no nonsense colonel, to translate and decipher the alien's language to reveal their desires. In summary, non-earthly creatures have landed on earth in 12 behemoth pods. Mankind is perplexed by this intergalactic visit.
From here Louise and Ian along with a team travel to one of the pods which is located in America (the others located all around the world) to start deciphering their language. We first encounter the aliens about a third way into the film. They are black floating spherical creatures with sharp tentacles coming off the side like demented octopi, subsequently named metapods. The way in which the aliens speak is by projecting symbols onto the screen that separates the humans from the aliens.
At first, our characters are very apprehensive towards the aliens. However, as the film moves on, Louise and Ian form a bond between themselves and the aliens, teaching them words and learning their symbols back. Louise even starts to think in their language. Unfortunately, with other countries becoming impatient, Louise and Ian are rushed into asking what the aliens want, and their response changes everything and with a twist that will leave you speechless
Arrival is different from other alien films as it doesn't even feel like one. It’s a heartfelt and thoughtful film that teaches us about love and human relationships. The aliens are just used as a message of how far humans have deviated from each other and how we can benefit from working together.
The acting in Arrivals was magnificent. Five-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams, two time Academy Award Nominee Jeremy Renner and Academy award winner Forest Whitaker all steal the show. With stellar performances from all three, the audience is captivated throughout. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least got another Academy Award nomination. Writing from Eric Heisserer keeps the audience interested throughout with clever twists and turns keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
There is also some outstanding cinematography which leaves viewers astounded, notably the long pan/establishing shot of the alien pod. All of these factors work together to provide a breath-taking cinematic experience.
The only criticism that I have with Arrival is a small one, and that is that the second third of the film stagnated slightly and became a little slow and repetitive. I am aware that these scenes were important to the overall package of the film, however I think that director Denis Villeneuve could have done better in this section.
In conclusion, Arrival is smart, thoughtful and interesting throughout. You'll leave the cinema gobsmacked. Arrival is startling original and shows us that we don’t have to search the stars for the meaning of life... because it has always been here.