A masterpiece of thoughtful Science fiction. Not everyone will like it

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 2017)

Compare it to "2001" which is (also) a bit long, boring (in spots) and drawn-out. It's not for the Marvel-DC action-movie fan. Reminiscent of "Contact" which is also about an alien encounter. It's a mystery and involves second-sight (premonition) and the reason for our cosmic existence and meaning in the Universe. Part of the following synopsis is paraphrased from "Wikipedia", so please do not accuse me of plagiarism. The movie opens with a "false memory" as linguist Louise Banks' daughter dies of cancer. But Louise is unmarried and has no child. 12 giant Zeppelin-shaped spaceships hover over 12 different locations all around the world. A team of scientists and military go inside and attempt to establish a common language to find out the 4 basic questions of who, what, where, and why they are here. She and physicist "Ian" lead the team. Louise (Amy Adams) has a communication breakthrough with it appears to involve a "weapon" as it is mistaken for the word "tool". These creatures are 7-legged "Heptapods" and resemble giant octopus. Many miraculous events occur: Louise is able to reach Chinese General Shang and an interplanetary war is averted. The aliens impart special secrets about time and space travel. It is unclear if Louise could see into the future before, but now she can. She marries Ian (Jeremy Renner) and she has her daughter "Hannah" knowing all along that the young girl will die in her late teens or early twenties. Many questions remain unanswered, such as: what "favor" will the Human Race return to rescue these beings in the far future, and is time and life more circular than linear in concept. Best enjoyed "at home". I think a large 16x9 TV is perfect, as it's all about the story, not just the special effects.