116 minutes, Science Fiction/Drama 

The mostly tired and often repetitive alien-invasion genre experiences an invasion of its own in ARRIVAL. An invasion of originality and innovation, rarely seen in this variety of film, from sublime filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who directed one of last year’s best in SICARIO as well as PRISONERS and INCENDIES. Amy Adams (in her second feature film to be released the same day, along with NOCTURNAL ANIMALS) plays Dr Louise Banks, an expert linguist who is hired by the American military for a dangerous mission to attempt to communicate with the extra-terrestrial forces that have landed their spacecraft across several locations throughout the world.

ARRIVAL, unlike so many others before it, does not solely rely on a formulaic us-against-them plot trajectory, nor is it filled with mindless fighting sequences. Rather, this is a great movie that envelops its audience with unfailing mystery thanks to being so intricately conceived and studiously written. Based on the short story “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang, there is no shortage of suspense as Dr Banks and the military try to interact with these alien species in order to understand what their intentions might be. The gradual and fairly restrained approach adopted in ARRIVAL builds anticipation levels that are about to be surpassed as further progress into the story is made. The territory in which this intelligent sci-fi treads to is enough for it to be considered an esteemed, fine piece of work on its own, yet isn’t limited to. The creature & visual effects are quite visionary and raise the heights of tension throughout. Jóhann Jóhannsson’s music score is as strongly put together as Villeneuve’s directing work is, who’s currently filming the new Blade Runner project. ARRIVAL, like fellow excellent films of a similar breed – 2010’s MONSTERS and 2005’s WAR OF THE WORLDS, succeeds greatly in its creative depiction of a departure from a familiar scenario.

4 out of 5 

Trailer 
ARRIVAL

Viewer Discretion
M – Mature Themes and Coarse Language

Moviedoc wishes to thank Jesse from Roadshow Films and Roadshow Films for the in-season pass to view & review ARRIVAL.

Review by Moviedoc 
“LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc 

©