Official
Australian release date: 10/11/16. Viewed: 15/11/16.
Director:
Denis Villeneuve
Actors:
Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Genre:
Sci-Fi / Drama
Rating:
M
‘Arrival’
is a different, semi-realistic take on the alien invasion film. It spends a
little time introducing us to Louise (Adams), a translator, and then we get to
see the UFO that’s landed (technically hovering) in Montana. It’s one of 12 –
she’s tasked with opening communications with the aliens. Some great shots of
the ships (more like giant smooth rocks) and a good job of showing the
different climate/atmosphere in and around them.
It’s definitely not your typical alien
film – there’s a lot of tension and build-up, and no big battles or gory
moments. Ian (Renner), a theoretical physicist and Colonel Weber (Whitaker) are
there to help Louise, but it’s pretty much up to her to determine how to
communicate with the aliens (or giant squids). The music can be a bit
overbearing at times, and the flashbacks seem to interrupt at times, but it all
comes together at the end.
Didn’t blow my mind, but it does delve a
little deeper into how the world would realistically handle a potential threat
of this magnitude. Would have loved to have seen more of the different perspectives
from each site/country. An interesting enough reveal, if not totally unique (I’ve
definitely read it in a novel or two before) and a nice message at its core.
Overall: Not exceptional, but well-made
sci-fi with a twist.
Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.
