Arrival is simply one of the year’s best films. As Dennis Villeneuve’s 5th feature film is a deep story that goes beyond the idea of extra-terrestrial life-forms arriving on Earth. This film is a beautiful message about humanity and brings us all together.
Positives:
Amy Adam’s Stand-out performance:
Amy Adams never disappoints when it comes to giving solid acting performances, but in Arrival, she’s something else. Her character is a woman who is woven in tragedy and the arc that is built for her is like nothing seen before. Her character is a standout and modern day hero for women, and her decisions and her ability to act towards things that aren’t really even there such as the visual effects, is astonishing. She stands out as the strongest in a line of great performances in the film.
Scenes involving the Aliens:
Every scene involving Adams and company trying to understand the Aliens and trying to figure out why they’re on Earth is astonishing and intense as it is fascinating. For an event that is obviously fictitious, the scenes are treated with realism as if this possbility could happen. It doesn’t dumb anything down for its audience, and it makes us figure things out for ourselves without grabbing our hand. That’s how a film should be, and the script for Arrival allows for the movie to do just that.
The Film’s big reveal/plot twist:
The film’s final 20 minutes are exhilariting, shocking, beautiful, and changes the way you see plot twists. Usually, when a ending takes you by surprise, it makes the rest of the movie leading up to it sort of pointless. It’s almost as if movies with plot twists are only built so it can lead up to that twist. While the ending of Arrival is significant, it makes you think about the entire film and it makes the message even more beautiful. It makes the audience member think about if they had the chance to prevent something in their life, at the risk of losing every good moment following a tragedy, would they? It’s a haunting but real feeling every individual has ever had. And Arrival hits home with this big reveal.
Cinematogrphy and Sound Design:
The look and sound of Arrival feels authentic and realistic. The film’s beautiful color palette and exquisite sound design makes for a must-see theater experience that is breathtaking to watch. Tremendous work by the visual effects coordinators and sound designers as well as great camera work by Villaneuve and company.
Negatives:
Pacing issues:
Although the film nears perfection, there a few pacing issues when the film starts up. Villaneuve loves setting up his films, savoring every moment leading to a grand sequence. However, with Arrival, he takes a bit too long to set things up. However, once things kick into gear, I was in for an exhilarating experience.
Final Verdict:
Arrival is a unique, original and saddening film. But it’s also uplifiting in its message about global communication and unity and how the power of words is the strongest weapon that can ever be used for mankind. It’s also a masterclass in filmaking and acting. Be sure to check that one out.
Arrival gets an A.