A bleak look at our own failings as a species contained within the wonder of meeting a new one...

Rating: 9/10 (26 February 2017)

(SOME MAY FEEL CONTAINS SPOILERS)
I feel compelled to write a review after observing all the 1* reviews this film is receiving. Trust me I understand that everyone has an opinion but to just nonchalantly give some a low mark just cause it wasn't your cup of tea is childish, and would mean many(who may enjoy this) would miss it.
I thought the film humanised a very 'alien' concept, so much to say as it was focused on one woman's goal to peacefully interact with something not of this world, to learn and understand, to interact and grow. Something many lack within our own species.
Many have pointed to the small group of Military personnel who try and attack the vessel as silly,and with no basis, but our race over history doesn't need much of a motive to fire the first shot. Only a fear and insecurity, which can indeed build over a small group over a few months.
That's what I think the problem people have, the film doesn't hold your hand and walk you through, it's theme is of meeting another species who doesn't see time like us, and this is how I felt as a viewer, that time wasn't linear, that questions of 'how did Louise crack this language/sound in such a short time?' just don't matter, you're looking for logic in something completely illogical.
For me it left me pondering my own existence, if with the knowledge the main character held, would I make the same life choices, is the journey, the experience more than the destination. It had me thinking of personal interactions with people from a different country, religious view, sexually, it turned the camera away from the 'aliens' and solely put in our own downfalls as a species. For that reason I believe it's a must watch.
In summary, if you're looking for a Sci-fi film with a slower pace, emphasis on small pieces of dialogue, drawn out shots, touching musical score and subtle but powerful performance from Amy Adams then take two hours to watch Arrival and many more to digest it's content.