Exceeded my extraterrestrial expectations

Rating: 8/10 (7 March 2017)

I, like many others, suffer from skepticism with any science fiction that grounds any plot in reality. Star Wars, Star Trek, Guardians, sure I can jump right into the world. But if I am supposed to believe that aliens could be landing next Thursday during my team rundown meeting, you can lose me. Arrival opened with some the strongest cinematography of the season, (mainly because ominous fog is my aesthetic) and I was a believer. I believed in the tension and even the potential reality of close encounters. I was all in, up until the main reveal, which to me seemed ridiculous due to the sheer magnitude of the twist. Even in comparison to some other crazy futuristic sci-fi plots. Despite my wavering beliefs towards the end, it was beautifully shot and exceptionally acted, despite my general lukewarm feelings towards Jeremy Renner, I think we learned that he is best received as a supporting man under a stronger lead in Adams. 8.2/10