Review of Arrival (2016) by Michael P — 19 Feb 2017

What an intriguing film. Not what you expect at all.

Not so much a film about aliens (they are purely a plot device)..this is more about language and understanding and how our lives fit together. Its awe inspiring in places, emotional in others but at its heart it is really about acceptance and unity.

Adams and Renner are very good and have a fun chemistry as the scientist/linguist paired together to solve the reason for the 'Arrival'.

Nice performances as well from other bit parts and players, to help move the story along. Some beautiful cinematography used and the film does not throw the special effects in your face, as you might expect from 'epic alien ships desending to earth'. Everything is done with quiet subtley, so as not to detract from from the core of the story and the central characters. The film can be hard to follow, and so may confuse some, but stick with it till the end.

I have come away from this film with a bit to think about...