Intriguing Idea Executed Poorly

Rating: 5/10 (25 February 2017)

Great concept, but a complete butcher job in terms of execution.
This film is bland with some interesting ideas laid out between more boring drivel. The aliens have a unique way of communicating which is barely enough to keep one interested. Thirty minutes in I was not remotely engaged. Once we meet the aliens I'm thinking OK it's about to get good. After some interesting linguistics, the movie reverts back to poor dialog and more boredom. Even the climax moment falls flat.
Amy Adams is unbelievably dull and I find it hard that her character could draw a circle let alone interpret them. For most of the film her heavy breathing and deadpan delivery are nearly unwatchable. Jeremy Renner adds more of the same. These two have the chemistry of cement drying.
The only redeeming factors in the film? The linguistic differences between the human and alien mind. This along with the alien understanding of time and how it relates to the climax of the film are intriguing. Too bad the characters and writing suck.
Everything about this film was done poorly. It will leave you feeling nothing--unemotional. If you're into linguistics and the substance of time, you'll find a few interesting moments to think about later.
So much potential, literally wasted by a sub par script and uninspired acting. It's too bad--I was hoping for a fully engaging cerebral experience and walked away disappointed.