'Arrival' A Review

Arrival is a science fiction thriller about government recruited linguist Dr. Louise Banks(Amy Adams) learning and communicating with one of twelve seemingly benign alien envoys spread all around the world. The film opens on a flashback montage of Banks' daughter's childhood, illness, and premature death. when Banks' is pulled into the alien mystery flashbacks reoccur and strengthen as she delves deeper and deeper into the alien language. She is partnered with astrophysicist Ian Donnely(Jeremy Renner) and supervised by Colonel Weber(Forest Whitaker). The team eventually has to race against time to discern the alien's intentions before other governments engage in full on warfare.

Adams gives a nuanced, emotive, definitive lead as she almost always does. Complex and strong she facilitates our engagement not only with the central linguistic mystery and the international tension but provides the sorrow and strength of the individual. Renner is decent as, essentially, the sidekick but doesn't have a ton of screen time, nor is he really needed. Whitaker is the only one to equal the presence of Adams and gives a kind and confident turn as the Colonel in charge without unnecessary macho posturing or authority. The remaining cast are all serviceable but the film is not really about them and so they are, justly, on the periphery.

The cinematography of the film is dark and compelling. There are wide establishing shots that utilize CGI but the majority of the action and the focus is on the intimate. Adam's character entering the alien ship and interacting with the aliens. The effects and visuals employed are engaging not only in their detail and ability to heighten and accent the moment but in their welcome restraint. The effects serve to augment the tension initially but then over time they intensify and clarify the emotional and political stakes. For a film with aliens and smoke writing this melding is especially impressive.

The film is satisfying not only as thriller and science fiction but is inspiring as allegory especially so given our current socio-political climate. Adam's gives us a strong, scientific lead who focuses on the commonalities with the aliens as well as good old human hard work, understanding, and compassion to avoid a potential international crisis.

An important and prescient piece of filmmaking.

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