One of the best sci-fi movies ever.

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2017)

Science Fiction movies are so diverse. There are successful ones like the Star Wars series that I don't even regard as Science Fiction as it's more a fantasy. The science part of Science Fiction is overlooked far too much in Star Wars. I understand that when you go to see a movie you need to suspend disbelief but many ask you to believe in new laws of physics that make zero sense or forget evolution and allow aliens to look like humans. Then there are movies like "The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)" and "Interstellar" that I regard as brilliant.
Arrival is most definitely in the latter group. Early on it is difficult to grasp where it's going but it gathers momentum quickly and the story is not only beautifully told, it's also thoroughly satisfying. It's clever Science Fiction. The aliens themselves were a great choice. Despite their appearance, animals on earth that are similar have complex nervous systems and behaviors, excellent vision, high intelligence and communicate with each other. Communication is the key to this movie as is linguist, Louise Banks played by Amy Adams. The plot revolves around her being recruited to interpret the alien's language. Amy Adams carries the movie. Much is asked of her and she delivers. I'm shocked that she didn't get a best actress Oscar nomination.
"Arrival" is beautiful, complex, and cerebral. One of the best Science Fiction movies ever.