Movie Review: Arrival (2016)

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Arrival (2016) – Notes

• Director: Denis Villeneuve

• Main Cast: Amy Adams (Louise Banks), Jeremy Renner (Ian Donnelly)

• Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama / Mystery

Plot:

• Mysterious alien ships land on Earth.

• Linguist Louise Banks is recruited to communicate with them.

• Goal: understand why they’re here before global tensions escalate.

• Themes of language, perception of time, and memory.

Key Points:

• Focuses on communication, not action-heavy alien attacks.

• Non-linear storytelling mirrors the alien language concept.

• Emotional core: Louise’s personal loss and choices.

Visuals & Sound:

• Cinematography by Bradford Young: vast, atmospheric shots.

• Score by Jóhann Jóhannsson: haunting, minimalist, enhances tension.

Themes / Takeaways:

• Language shapes perception of reality.

• Time isn’t always linear—life decisions and memory intertwined.

• Sci-fi can be emotional and intellectual simultaneously.

Overall Impression:

• Smart, emotional, visually striking.

• Unique approach to first-contact story.

• Leaves a lasting impression, thought-provoking.

Rating: 9.5/10

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