A more cerebral "Independence Day".

Rating: Null/10 (11 September 2017)

While Independence Day continues to be a guilty pleasure for many people (and I thought its sequel was decent too), Arrival is a much smarter and braver rendition of the alien arrival themed film. Predictably misunderstandings and tension erupt between the new arrivals and their earthling hosts.
The solution is of course communication and co-operation both between earthlings and the new arrivals, as well as between the different nations on Earth. Its also predictable that the main character finds insight through her own personal life. Yes it's all somewhat formulaic, however the execution of this simplicity is really quite grand and standout performances by Adams and Whittaker elevate what could have been a generic science fiction drama into a wonderfully told tale.