When 12 spacecrafts arrive on Earth, linguist Louise Banks teams up with mathematician Ian Donnelly to decipher the aliens' complex language in order to establish first contact. Tensions from other countries and a lack of cohesive translation eventually gives way to fear as Louise works tirelessly to ensure a peaceful partnership can be attained.

The only other film I have seen by Denis Villeneuve is his first Dune, so thus far, he is batting at 100%. Arrival is truly a spectacle and a feat for cinema; Villeneuve's direction is amazing, and the performances of the cast -- especially Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner -- really hammer home the characters' emotions and motives. Likewise, the music is both epic and haunting, matching the tense atmosphere that the film carries throughout. By no means is this an action-packed blockbuster; it is a more thoughtful and nuanced type of sci-fi, examining the characters and story first and foremost, and it does so splendidly. But beneath the sci-fi package is the true heart of the film, and that is its themes about the importance of life, peace, and unity.

Story: A+
Acting: A
Design: A+
Music: A
Content: B-
Overall: A+ (5/5)

Content Notes: Language is the primary notice of concern for content, and although it is rather limited in its use (only 4 total uses), the first is a use of the word "f--k." Aside from that, though, there are no other causes of concern content-wise. ( )

One of the best SF-films ever. Unique first-contact approach ( )

Enjoyable sci-fi film. I was glad I'd read the short story beforehand though as it helped with the film. ( )

A movie that would merit watching again. A first encounter story with a linguist being used to try to communicate with aliens who are in a different environment and with different ways of thinking.

Complex and interesting with a lot of twists and turns and surprises. I think I will have to watch it again to get all the pieces. ( )

Aliens ships land, and a linguist has to figure out what they want.

Real science fiction, that assumes the audience has a brain. How did this get made?

Concept: A
Story: A
Characters: B
Dialog: B
Pacing: B
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: A
Acting: A
Music: B

Enjoyment: A

GPA: 3.4/4 ( )