Film Review: Arrival

Plot: Aliens arrive, plot-spoilers ensue

This review is not going t0 contain any spoilers, in fact I think you’re best to see this film with as little knowledge about it as possible.

So you wait a whole year for an excellently acted, constantly edge of your seat, stunningly shot drama then 2 come along at once, and both star Amy Adams.

Arrival is an incredible science fiction film that has all the effects of a huge-budget blockbuster but the storyline depth of any of the Oscar-winning dramas of recent years. The plot feels calculated and heartfelt and leaves a message that feels incredibly relevant in the modern world, especially considering recent events.

Amy Adams, whose shoulders the film is rested on, delivers a brilliant performance, which has really become standard for her and none of the supporting cast let the side down either.

It is also beautifully shot. There are a number of times the camera is turned upside down or rotated, disorientating the audience in a surreal and original way. The visual storytelling is really as strong as any film of recent times and the director has done an incredible job.

I don’t want to say much else for fear of spoilers but I really did love this film. Arrival and Nocturnal Animals are now both battling it out for my films of the year. I hope you go to see them and enjoy them as much as I did.

Rating: 10/10