This is what Sci fi is all about.

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 2017)

I can understand nay sayers, but I totally disagree.
Sci Fi is a subjective and a personal thing. A rom com, is well, a film with some romance and some comedy, easy to judge on those requirements. Sci fi just isn't so easy. So those who found the film boring or full of holes, well, sorry, they just don't get what the short story, scriptwriter, director and all those involved wanted to achieve. I can understand that, but for me, Arrival was such a refreshing addition to the Sci Fi genre I was in stunned silence when the film ended in the cinema.
Arrival is a thinking person's Sci fi film. Aliens arrive and for once, and for this it gets credit alone, don't want to destroy us all or steal all our water.
The delivery vehicle for the soul of the film, that ultimate question of would you change your life choices if you knew the future, is simply brilliant. I have watched the film 4 times now, and do you know what? I still don't know what I would do in the lead characters situation. Tell me that isn't an appealing notion? I don't even think there is a correct answer. It's too personal a question. I can imagine changing my answer in 10 years time.
If you dedicate some time to watch the blu ray extras, you can see the efforts they took with bringing the spirit of the short story to the large screen.
Amy Adams is simply perfect in every way. A real character, in a sci fi movie. Impressive. The supporting cast are also excellent. All playing second string to Miss Adams, but you can see are happy to do so. Okay so Ripley was a defining female character in Sci Fi, but ultimately because she was a badass seeking revenge. The Doctor played by Amy Adams could easily have been swapped out for a male lead, this may have even appealed to a wider commercial audience, however, Miss Adams nails it and credit to the Director in his first and only choice.
I could wax lyrical over the cinematography too, but I'll just suggest you watch the trailer. The cloud scene should convince you.
I think a lot of people like Christopher Nolan films, and why not, he's superb. However, though his films tell a good story, do they pose an ethical question that stays with you for ages? Not that I can recall.
With the recent failure of the Alien prequels. It shows that creating a universe whilst telling a good story is really difficult.
I love a good shoot 'em up Sci Fi movie, don't get me wrong but Arrival raises the bar again after many blockbuster sci fi movies have been happy to sail underneath it for bigger and louder explosions.
You don't need to be a sci fi buff to appreciate this movie. For the love of God, just please don't expect a spaceship shootout.