Not exceptional, but well-made sci-fi with a twist

Rating: 7/10 (2 January 2018)

'Arrival' is a different, semi-realistic take on the alien invasion film. It spends a little time introducing us to Louise (Adams), a translator, and then we get to see the UFO that's landed (technically hovering) in Montana. It's one of 12 - she's tasked with opening communications with the aliens. Some great shots of the ships (more like giant smooth rocks) and a good job of showing the different climate/atmosphere in and around them.
It's definitely not your typical alien film - there's a lot of tension and build-up, and no big battles or gory moments. Ian (Renner), a theoretical physicist and Colonel Weber (Whitaker) are there to help Louise, but it's pretty much up to her to determine how to communicate with the aliens (or giant squids). The music can be a bit overbearing at times, and the flashbacks seem to interrupt at times, but it all comes together at the end.
Didn't blow my mind, but it does delve a little deeper into how the world would realistically handle a potential threat of this magnitude. Would have loved to have seen more of the different perspectives from each site/country. An interesting enough reveal, if not totally unique (I've definitely read it in a novel or two before) and a nice message at its core.