A modern Science fiction masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (12 November 2016)

This is why I fell in love with film, plain and simple, this film right here is the reason.
This is not the average sci fi you think it is, it most definitely is not my friend, this is a pure masterpiece in film and science fiction combined, and honestly the best film of 2016. Adapted from Ted Chiang's short story "Story of your Life" into cinema at its very best.
When earth is suddenly startled by the arrival of mysterious pebble shaped space crafts or "shells", Dr Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is called in to assist in contacting with the lifeforms that dwell within. Using her knowledge of language and translation her and Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) become the interpreters of the world as they try to learn and communicate with the extraterrestrial beings that are visiting the planet.
A marvellous masterpiece at the hands of Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Sicario, and Enemy), who seems to create pure cinematic artwork in any situation, whether its cartel war, scary kidnapping thriller, and now he has proved that he can do with science fiction, I very much looking forward to the upcoming Blade Runner 2049. Sharing a similar theme and structure to the works of Christopher Nolan, the French Canadian director has created a compelling science fiction blockbuster that treats its audience with intelligence and respect. Also feeling familiar vibes from the works of Ridley Scott and the great Stanley Kubrick.
Arrival is artwork, one of the greatest piece of modern science fiction, and must be appreciated for it, with all usually element that make a film a film being absolutely magnificent. From the opening tilt shot that very slowly zooms in, you know that this is going to be an amazing and stunning watch. Like The Revenant 50% of the this film is the cinematography by Bradford Young, telling its very own story in every single shot. Every scene is a piece of artwork itself (literally) presenting the melancholy atmosphere that Villeneuve is a custom for doing. Especially in the scenes where we enter he valley of mystery we are so glued to the screens and engulfed by what we see. There is a phenomenal circulating aerial shot over the open field where the main shell hangs with the mystic white cloud floating in the air. Every shot where the shell is seen, there is the unsettling sinister vibe that is emitted, similar to the black Monolith.
But what secondly really empowers and makes up 15% of the film is Jóhann Jóhannsson's score, another key aspect that journeys us into the story. This a literal face melting score, (I promise you my face really melted). This is what also takes me back to the music as featured in Blade Runner and 2001, and also Sicario. This combined with the camera and editing made me fall in love with the film. It contains of the most intelligent pieces of editing work (Joe Walker).
At the very heart of Arrival is the story, the solid heavy idea of alien translation. This idea is one is never really focused on in alien arrival movies, and is most definitely pulls it off and even journeys into a cloudburst of wondrous, emotional, and insightful story telling. Being an Alien movie, Arrival also focuses the identity in humanity, reflecting a mirror at our political relations with other countries, and tries to brings us together in this event. Mark Kermode said that this is the best film to watch after the week we've had. There is a point where I was slightly unsure where the film was taking us, but by the end I was satisfied and happy to say that it contributed even more to whole effect of the film.
Along with this is Amy Adam's spot on performance, it is only by the end of the film that I really appreciated her performance from the whole film. Viewing events truly through her eyes, we are encaptivated by what is happening, and are convinced that this is what would happen in real life. Jeremey Renner delivers his role as the standard good guy which creates remarkable chemistry with Amy Adams.
If you see any film this year, make it Arrival, I don't care how much you want to see The Accountant, you goes see Arrival. You don't even have to be a massive science fiction fan. A solid and professional masterpiece. 10/10