Film Review: Arrival
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In a burst of brand new science-fiction films, Arrival‘s trailer and plot set it apart from the rest pretty quickly.
A talented foreign language lecturer is approached by the American security services after twelve alien unidentified objects landed on Earth at seemingly unrelated points. The plot of the film is centred around Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and her attempts, alongside Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), to translate the communication efforts of the aliens that have arrived.
The plot is science-fiction heavy and is basically focused on the two characters going to and from the UFO in sessions attempting to translate. So, the message is that if you’re not really into sci-fi, then this film is probably not your cup of tea. However, Arrival does have one striking point that anyone – sci-fi fanatic or not – should be aware of.
That striking point is communication. It is about cooperation and how it makes us better as a species.
Aliens are often a terrifying force in science-fiction and fantasy. Without ruining the ending too much, Arrival‘s hectapods are definitely not your stereotypical aliens. They communicate through vibrations and an ink-like writing similar to ancient Sanskrit symbols. That is perhaps my favourite thing about the science-fiction genre: it always has an ability to communicate a deeper meaning.
Arrival is a very intimate film and you have to stay with it throughout in order to understand it. The plot twist that comes at the end is rather touching and carries a profound message for the audience. Watch out for it.