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| Courtesy of Paramount |
Sometimes sci-fi introduces exciting ideas like these, but then bungles them through unnecessary pretention or shoddy execution (looking at you, Interstellar). Other times, it’s just plain cheesy (too many to mention). Arrival avoids both of these fates. Granted, the methodical pacing will undoubtedly lead many viewers to call it slow; and the last few scenes come dangerously close to drowning in sentimentality.
However, for the most part, Villeneuve and screenwriter Eric Heisserer (adapting Ted Chiang’s short story “Story of Your Life”) have crafted a new genre classic. Part of that is a new spin on a familiar trope, but the primary reason is how they combine a fiercely intelligent story with overwhelmingly poignant subtext, boosted by terrific performances from Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.
The most important thing you need to know about Arrival: avoid trailers, reviews (except this one, of course, which I’m keeping deliberately vague) and other information about the movie at all costs. The less you know about the plot, the more resonant the viewing experience will be. Not because the story hinges on a mind-blowing plot twist, but because it’s a slow-burn that establishes its stakes and emotional weight as the central mystery unfolds.
Here are the basics: on a perfectly ordinary morning, alien spacecraft appear all over the globe. The visitors are trying to communicate, but their language is so advanced that the nation’s top military officials can’t decipher it. That’s where Dr. Louise Banks (Adams) comes in. The renowned linguist is recruited by Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) to board one of the spacecraft, currently hovering above Montana, in order to discover the aliens’ intentions.
Helping her in this undertaking is Ian Donnelly (Renner), a scientist who warms to Banks because she’s markedly different than the no-nonsense soldiers who surround them. However, they’ve got a battle ahead of them, as other war-hungry countries would rather attack the visitors than take the time to figure out their language and understand why they’ve traveled such a long distance to speak with us.
Banks, against the orders of her superiors, decides to take more than a few monumental risks because she inherently believes the aliens didn’t travel across the universe to do us harm. As a result, over the course of time, these extraordinary guests reveal their intentions.
Again, that’s what’s going on at surface level. What makes Arrival a contender for my 10 Best List next month is the way it uses that basic story as an allegory for life itself. Those who want to see it just for the alien stuff will enjoy it, but those looking for a deeper meaning will find one of the most spiritual movies I’ve ever experienced. I was profoundly moved by the time the end credits rolled, and the conclusion – which leaves quite a few elements open to interpretation – prompted a deep discussion between me and my friend as we headed home from the screening.
Although this aspect might frustrate some, I appreciate that the film allows viewers to discover symbolic elements and meaning on their own. It’s refreshing when a movie realizes I’m a grown-up who can think for myself, instead of holding my hand like a toddler.
Aside from Villeneuve’s subtle direction and Heisserer’s screenplay, there are other reasons Arrival works as well as it does. The film is yet another testament to the cinematography skills of Bradford Young. His eye for breathtaking images is on full display here; practically every shot is awe-inspiring.
Adam’s central performance is absolutely stunning. I’ve been a big fan since her revelatory work in Junebug, but what she does here with facial expressions and body language – especially since much of her dialogue is fairly technical – is incredible. She deserves an Oscar nomination for the opening sequence alone, which might be the most emotionally devastating since Up.
Renner is also strong in a supporting role that seems marginal at first, but proves to be surprisingly relevant as the story progresses. It’s a nice reminder of his acting skills (remember how incredible he was in The Hurt Locker?) since he’s mostly known for action flicks these days.
Even if you’re not typically a fan of sci-fi, I recommend seeing Arrival on the biggest screen possible for the visuals and the emotionally resonant subtext. It may surprise you how quickly you’re drawn into the story. It’s only been a couple of days and I already can’t wait to watch it again.
Arrival is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
Grade: A-
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