Amazing film, but probably not what you're expecting

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2016)

ARRIVAL is a one of those amazing, quirky films that will certainly die at the box office because it's not a sci- fi thriller nor a futuristic horror story despite what studio trailers might lead audiences to expect. Make no mistake: the popcorn crowd will be bored witless by the end of the second act and discover themselves well-disappointed ... and confused ... soon as the closing credits roll.
Instead of high tech special F/X and an alien invasion replete with military fireworks, what ARRIVAL offers is a solid, well-crafted and earnest challenge to traditional concepts concerning the relationship of language to thought and perception.
Director Denis Villeneuve handles the difficult task of presenting a uniquely realistic and entirely plausible "alien arrival" without divulging too much, or too little, ahead of the big reveal. Amy Adams is remarkable in her role as the solemn yet resilient Dr. Louise Banks, a college linguistics professor drafted to help decipher an alien language soon after their earthly arrival. Gorgeously filmed by Bradford Young and accompanied by a sumptuous soundtrack, Arrival delivers a two-fisted cerebral treat.
Think Whorfianism meets Eternalism ... and enjoy the ride.