Smart and inspired sci-fi that isn't really about its aliens at all.

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2018)

'Arrival (2016)' is an intelligent and inspired science-fiction thriller that promotes peace and pushes knowledge as power, in a unique twist on the usual 'us-vs-them' mentality seen in most blockbuster filmmaking of the kind. It views its sizeable story through the intimate scope of its central character and thus becomes a much more emotional experience then ever anticipated. By the time certain third-act revelations roll around, each one making you salivate at the thought of a second viewing (which holds up and is a very different experience, I might add), you will have been taken on a personal journey far more impactful than you could've imagined, helped enormously by the flick's phenomenal musical score and unique editing structure, and you'll realise that the story itself was never really about the aliens at all. Truly brilliant filmmaking from a truly brilliant filmmaker. 8/10