The science fiction genre can be pretty predictable, like any genre. Especially when it comes to alien invasion narratives.
In the new movie, Arrival, Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is a doctor whose specialty is languages. When 12 mysterious flying objects land around the world, she called to learn their language and help to figure out what their purpose on Earth is. Recruited by Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), Louise joins a team that includes physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner).
While trying to learn the alien’s language and figuring out how to communicate with them, Louise is also dealing with the death of her daughter.
Based on the short story by Ted Chiang, this movie has been hailed by the critics as one of the best movies of the year.
What I liked about this movie was the strong female lead in Louise and the fact that it was a science fiction film that dealt with real human actions and emotions as opposed to shlock. I also appreciated the message of our shared humanity and how important it is to get along with each other simply because underneath it all, we are all human. While it was not, in my opinion, everything that the critics stated, it was a heck of a lot better some of the movies that have come out this year.
Do I recommend it? Maybe.
Arrival is presently in theaters.
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