This really leaves a lasting impression

Rating: 8/10 (12 May 2017)

It's your classic tale of alien visitors; where are they from and why are they here? But there's a subtlety to "Arrival" that makes it stand out, even while it's drawing comparisons to the wonder and mystery of grander films ("Close Encounters", "2001"). The military maintains a sizable presence in the movie, but it never really gets to that hysterical point (sure, the planet's armed forces are ready to go to war, but there's also a surprising level of restraint). And I liked that the real focus was on communication, not just with the aliens, but also between our sovereign nations.
There is a surprise at the end (I don't think twist is the right word because that evokes Shyamalan, and this isn't that movie), and to a certain extent, that's really the point of the movie - even though it's handled with depth and sensitivity. But up until that point, this is Amy Adams' show. I've always liked here, but of her performances, this is one of my favorites. I could compare this to "Gravity" and that'd give a good sense of the maternal subject matter - yet it isn't apt because that's not what happens. It's complicated in the best sense of the word.
8/10