One for the ages

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2019)

I postponed re-watching this movie, as I did not want to ruin the sense of magic and mystery that it had left me with when I first watched it in the theatre.
But after seeing Blade Runner 2049 and watching Villeneuve's other earlier work, I figured the movie probably really was as good as I first felt it was and should hold up under repeat viewing.
It certainly is a different story, the second time you watch it. The movie doesn't offer exciting twists, so much as requiring you to see the whole thing to fully understand what you have seen. And of course, that understanding brings a different perspective upon second viewing.
But it holds up, the aliens are alien, the sound design is otherworldly and the characters give the actors something to do, although I would have preferred a bit more depth from the supporting characters. However, Amy Adams could carry the movie on her performance alone and luckily, she doesn't have to.
My one issue with the story-telling is the level of exposure the main character appears to need (and thus the audience along with her) to come to her realisations, but it's not grating and doesn't diminish the experience too much.
Don't watch this if you're looking for exciting aliens sci-fi, do watch this if you like a through-provoking piece that doesn't mind following some of the tropes while still telling a wholly original story.