Beautiful Science Fiction

Rating: 9/10 (13 November 2016)

A beautiful and ambitious film, Arrival hit theaters this weekend with a remarkable story and stunning visual effects. Based on the short story "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang, this film directed by Denis Villeneuve shows the potential of thoughtful and complex science fiction. Viewers are introduced to Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) as she raises her daughter through a rapid montage that ends in tragedy. The haunting photography from cinematographer Bradford Young adds to the emotional impact.
As the story moves ahead, aliens arrive in strange and large pods that can only be entered during certain time intervals. Louise is recruited by Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) to decipher the alien language and figure out their purpose. With the help of theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), they enter the pod and begin to communicate with the spider or squid-like species.
The effects are amazing and awe-inspiring but the story is more personal and touches on themes of language and the development of one's brain during the process of learning. It also explores time and knowledge of the future reflecting on the choices we make and how we perceive the events of our life. This film is an example of great writing meeting great directing with stellar acting on top to make for one of my favorite films of the year that is both moving and entertaining.
Check out more of this review and others at swilliky.com