Cinema At Its Very Best!

Rating: 10/10 (24 November 2016)

Based on the short story "Story of Your Life" by author Ted Chiang, Director Denis Villeneuve's 'Arrival' blends Science-Fiction with Drama, to startling results. Stunningly Shot, Excellently Directed, Superiorly Acted & Masterfully Written, this recent critical & commercial success is an unmissable film, that only & only rewards its viewer. I was at the edge of my seat, throughout!
'Arrival' Synopsis: When mysterious spacecrafts touch down across the globe, an elite team - led by expert linguist Louise Banks (As Oscar Worthy Amy Adams) - is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers - and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.
'Arrival' is projected as a Sci-Fi Alien Invasion film, and it is, but that's only on the surface. At heart & soul, 'Arrival' is a story on motherhood, the gift of being special & how violence is not always the answer to fight an endangering third kind. 'Arrival' is as much an emotional drama, as it sticks to being a Sci-Fi visual dazzler. I wouldn't want to give away the film's final twist, but all I can say is, we barely come across a twist as sharp & moving as this one. It simply WOW's you!
Eric Heisserer's Adapted Screenplay is masterful. Easily one of the finest Screenplays to get made into film, Eric's affecting & engrossing Writing make 'Arrival' something so special, its hard to forget it anytime soon. The narrative builds up suspense, tension & an undercurrent of emotions, without ever giving you the feel of over-stuffing. Oscar Chase seems very possible for Eric!
Denis Villeneuve's Direction is excellent. Emerging as one of THE finest directors of our time, Villeneuve creates such a mood & an atmosphere so accurate, you'd be silly if you looked away from the screen at any time. Bradford Young's Cinematography is stunning. Young creates poetry out of every frame & makes 'Arrival' an experience to be witnessed. Joe Walker's Editing is razor-sharp. Art & Costume Design are flawless. Graphics are top-notch. Jóhann Jóhannsson's Score is exhilarating.
Performance-Wise: Amy Adams as Dr. Louise Banks, delivers a sensational performance. In a career filled with knockout performances, Adams again delivers, this time, with even more skill & sheer conviction. The supremely talented actress carries the film on her firm shoulders & not for even a single second, does she let you go. If this performance doesn't get Oscar attention, then what does an Oscar even mean? Jeremy Renner underplays his part well. Forest Whitaker is effective, as always. Michael Stuhlbarg is solid.
On the whole, 'Arrival' is Cinema At Its Very Best! The film goes beyond the clichés of the genre its based upon & delivers something unforgettable. Grab a ticket today!