"Language is the first weapon drawn in conflict". Could 'Arrival' be 2016 biggest hit?
Last week, the newest sci-fi to grace the silver screen was ‘Arrival’ directed by Denis Villeneuve starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. The movie is set in the present day and follows Lingustic Professor Louise Banks [Adams] during an alien invasion and it is her job to find out what the aliens want and why they are here. She becomes the key translator in this case alongside cast member Jeremy Renner who stars as a scientist trying to understand how they got here in the first place and the complexities of the universe itself.
But this isn't just any alien invasion sci-fi film, it plays on more than one classic sci-fi trope in the most surprising way possible that gives this movie one of the best twist endings of the year, at least in my opinion, that is unpredictable in the best way. Villeneuve is the critically acclaimed director of ‘Prisoners’ starring Hugh Jackman and it is safe to say that this movie does not disappoint. The film is based on a short story called 'Story of Your Life' written by Ted Chiang. Director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Eric Heisser provide an element of continuity throughout the whole film, aiding to one of the movies key aspects which addresses beginning, middles and ends.
The characters are likable and relatable which helps the viewer connect more with the story and develop a better understanding of the film. The continuity of the film is achieved through music and camera shots; it makes time see seamless and leaves the viewer feeling as though there is more to come when the credits roll and a black screen takes its place.
Overall, Villeneuve created a somewhat unique sci-fi film in the midst of the same of the same, which helps to redefine the genre. Aspects of the film play with ideas that are apparent in our own lives such as loneliness and fear and asks questions that we like to avoid such as “What happens next?” and “How will the past shape my future?”
The film gets a solid 8/10 and 'Arrival' will definitely be making a long term appearance in our film collections.