Watch Arrival

In Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve, a renowned linguist, Louise Banks (Amy Adams), is recruited by the US Army to help decipher an alien language. Twelve egg-shaped spaceships have landed all around the world, and no one knows what the aliens' intentions are. Louise is assigned to lead a team to try and make contact with the aliens in Montana.

As Louise begins to work with the aliens, she starts to learn their language, which is composed of complex circular symbols. The aliens, heptapods, have a unique perception of time and non-linear language, which gradually starts to affect Louise's own sense of time. Through their communication attempts, Louise starts to unravel the mystery of the spaceships’ purpose and how to stop a potential global crisis.

Aside from Amy Adams' standout performance, the film's pacing allows the audience to contemplate and appreciate the subtle intricacies of the story. The film does an outstanding job of building tension in the exploration of the language barrier between Banks and the heptapods, and the deployment of scientific, political and military resources.

The visuals in Arrival are striking, from the spaceship ‘shells’, which look like CGI versions of eggshells, to the heptapods, which are both monstrous and graceful in equal measure. The cinematography, particularly its time-lapse imagery and a particularly stunning long take sequence, are highlights of the film.

But Arrival is not just a sci-fi film, it is a story about communication, acceptance, and empathy. It is about how different cultures and beings can come together to form understanding and mutual respect. It explores the concept of time and the emotional weight it carries, achieving emotional depth without relying on melodrama.

The film is an exceptional take on the alien invasion genre, with a unique and innovative approach that could have fallen into the trap of being too ambiguous and convoluted, yet it remains accessible and grounded with a clear message. This is not just a story about humanity's relationship with extraterrestrial life, but also within itself.

Overall, Arrival is a one-of-a-kind film that offers profound insight into human nature, and begs the question of how we approach Xenomorphs in worlds beyond our own. It is one of the most memorable and cerebral alien movies to date, and a distinctive addition to Villeneuve's celebrated directing career. Arrival is an artistic triumph that will leave you wonderstruck, with its incredible story, characters, music, and visuals. So, if you're looking for something more thought-provoking and profound in the sci-fi genre, Arrival is the movie for you.

Arrival is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 36 minutes.