Arrival Review (2016)

Arrival

 

  I've been following Denis Villenueve's filmography after Enemy and Prisoners (one of my favorite movies of all time), and it's no secret that he is one of the better directors currently working today. For that reason, I felt super privilleged to see an early screening of his latest film, Arrival.  

  Arrival, is the story of a linguist recruited by the military to communicate with aliens after twelve UFO's land on earth.

  Villnenueve manages to take a really big budget film with a really big, sci-fi concept, and make it feel like an intimate, intelligent drama.

  The acting was great, the cinematography was breathtaking, the sound design and soundtrack were gorgeous. Arrival is a thought-provoking and layered take on the "aliens coming to earth" story, grounding it in Christopher Nolan like reality that transcends the genre.

  Is this movie for everyone? No. No, it is not. The average, mainstream movie goer, might grow bored of its leisurely pacing and be perplexed by it's unconventional third act. That said, those willing to take the time to really understand Arrival will be pleasantly rewarded. 8 out of 10 stars. (I'd Buy It)