A film that not only tests the idea of aliens, but of humanity

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2017)

Best science fiction film of the year against tough competition. Excellent intelligent science fiction with linguists attempting to decipher an alien language at first contact. The world seems headed for war with distrust of the aliens and each other when our hero realizes the aliens have traveled in time.
Great acting and great plot. Visually the film is fantastic with an expert play on light and dark imagery, and the very deliberate use of color to emphasize certain characters and events. This transfers into the shadowy and smoke filled environment inside the alien vessel as well as the ink like Rorschach style alien writing. While trying to discover what the Aliens are, and their motivation, Dr. Louise Banks discovers what makes herself human and questions everything held sacred to her. "Arrival" is just as much a film about aliens landing on earth, as a film about self- discovery and the value placed on love and loss.
Worth watching. Some terrific emotional performances which is rare for science fiction films. ---Yidioo