Film Review: Arrival

Many movies over the past few years have tried to tackle the themes of time and space – and the possibility that we are not indeed alone in the universe. Gravity, Interstellar, The Martian, even Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice all attempt to address how humanity can survive, when faced with the incomprehensible vastness of existence beyond ourselves. Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival may just be the most successful of all of these films.

It wastes no time before thrusting us into a panicked world. Multiple spacecrafts have landed around the globe, and the intentions of the extra-terrestrial beings on board are unknown. With China and Russia ready to launch military attacks, world leaders and citizens alike are at their most fearful, aggressive and unsure.

Linguistic expert Amy Adams is recruited by the American government to try to understand the aliens’ language. Recovering from a deep personal loss, she’s initially unwilling. But as she explains the complexities of communication, and the nuances involved in expressing empathy, purpose, or motivation, she realises that it is a challenge she must face up to. Arrival is adapted from Ted Chiang’s short story ‘Story Of Your Life’, which is packed with linguistic and mathematical theory. Villeneuve doesn’t shy away from this weighty material, but deftly demonstrates how the associated jargon is often used to exert control, rather than to communicate. His beautifully symmetrical, Kubrick-like visuals also emphasise our self-made barriers to communication. From screens and hazmat suits, to faces trying to conceal their emotions, we all hide from one another.

Adams’ acting is masterful: she is strong, raw and vulnerable, a beating heart in the bloody mess of humanity’s fear. It’s a powerhouse performance in a stunning film that transcends genre to become art. An intelligent and soulful exploration of communication and tolerance, it should hopefully inspire us to transcend our limitations and become better people.