So I sit wondering how to start a review for ARRIVAL… see the problem here is that is was such a glorious complex movie, I’m struggling how to go about it without giving you any spoilers.
Well, let’s see if I just dive into this and see what happens…
The setup for this movie is basically what you’ve seen in the trailers. Aliens land, and the military reaches out to, linguist Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams). And attempts to communicate with the aliens is underway, set against the backdrop of global tension.
ARRIVAL focuses on Dr. Banks, and the journey she goes on in this movie. But it’s not what you think. See, that’s where this glorious problem of how to write this movie comes into play.
This movie as a whole was such a challenging story from start to finish. For me, I thought of it forcing you to think bigger, and more open than you might be comfortable with. It challenges you in how you think about time and each other. And it was such a great comment on the human condition.
Safe to say, I loved it.
I do worry though movies like this are becoming more and more rare in our remake/reboot/superhero/reality TV climate… I really don’t think the public, as a whole will give this movie a chance. But I really hope I’m wrong in saying that. Because this movie is SO worth seeing, you might not get it the first time out. You know, because it challenges you (I know that’s like the umpteenth time I said that).
But it is so worth seeing.
Essentially, the critic reviews, the 100% on Rotten Tomatoes you might’ve read. It’s all true, and well deserved.
For me, the takeaway I got, the message, by movie’s end… I thought was so relevant in what’s going on today in America with the protests, and racism uptick post-election. I’d elaborate… but then I might get into those spoilers I mentioned.
At the end of the day, ARRIVAL is a movie that will challenge you in how you think about everything with it’s, thoughtful & poetic narrative. I really do you hope you’ll give it a chance and see it.
Enjoy!