It's a film which plays with your mind

Rating: 8/10 (2 April 2019)

Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve is one of the best Science Fiction movies In recent years. Every single shot in this film is absolutely stunning. The large establishing shots of natural landscapes presented in quite muted colours, covered in blankets of mist is dripping with jaw dropping beauty. The story is a clear reflection of our current context, giving caution and direction for our future. The screenplay is intelligent, and so unique. Amy Adams in this film gives one of her best performances in my opinion, playing a linguist who is insanely overworked. The audience is made to feel everything she does, as if we are inside her mind. Also the score by Johan Johansson is eerie, chilling and almost ghostly. It works extremely well in the very quiet and mysterious tone of the film. The twist which comes to fruition towards the end, is simply genius. No spoilers of course, but it worked so well due to the talented film makers. It's a twist which makes you look at the entire film differently after attaining the new knowledge... literally it was as if my mind was on a rollercoaster when I figured it out. Unfortunately Arrival isn't completely flawless. One of my issues being being the role of Jeremy Renner. He kinda has a significant role, but in terms of the issue at hand, he literally does nothing. There's also another scene where a character breaks certain protocol and everyone is after them. But then what they are doing is completed, so they obey and everyone forgets about it. I feel like it was just there to build tension and make the scene more exciting. All in all I love this film. It benefits from multiple viewings. It's a film which plays with your mind and I love that. Arrival is incredibly well made and contains a great story so therefore I give it an 8.