Amy Adams in Arrival (2016) (Image: Jan Thijs – © 2016 PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
A “masterpiece” sci-fi movie with an ending that leaves you speechless is streaming now on Amazon Prime. Arrival (2016) focuses on the story of American linguist Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams), who is brought in to help the US Army communicate with alien creatures, after mysterious space ships arrive at destinations across the globe.
But working out why they came and what they want may be the only thing standing in the way of a devastating war, as military leaders grow increasingly uneasy over the aliens’ presence. Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, and Michael Stuhlbarg also star. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve (Dune), and written by Eric Heisserer. The screenplay is based on Ted Chiang’s 1998 novella “Story of Your Life”.
Louise is brought in to help US Army chiefs communicate with the aliens. (Image: Jan Thijs – © 2016 PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
One fan called it a ‘beautiful sc-fi masterpiece’ (Image: Jan Thijs – © 2016 PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
Fans have flocked to review aggregator website to heap praise upon the “incredibly intelligent” drama.
One fan on IMDb, where the film has a strong 7.9/10 score, called it a “beautiful sci-fi masterpiece”.
“The acting is tonally perfect,” they wrote. “The script is very well written and manages to make the complicated sci-fi lingo seem plausible.
“Denis Villeneuve directs this film with a gripping realism. The score is haunting and otherworldly at the same time, perfect for the subject matter. The story utilizes the concept of time brilliantly, almost like it’s another character.
“This is a sci-fi drama. It’s not an action film. It’s an intimate study that shy’s away from big theatrics, instead opting for a philosophical discussion that challenges the viewer.
“The twist is beautiful and heartbreaking. I love that this film makes you think, it’s what great sci-fi is suppose to do.” They added simply: “Watch this.”
Arrival is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. (Image: Jan Thijs – © 2016 PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
Another wrote: “The script is so intelligent that it feels that you have watched 4 different movies in the end. It’s a thrill ride for drama-, thriller-, action- and science fiction fans in one package.”
A third wrote: “This is a very, very well made film, which is thought provoking, measured, engaging, and thoroughly well made.
“There is nothing brash, or heavy handed about it, the story is superbly told, with well grounded characters. The story is of course sci-fi, and hugely creative, but it’s never silly, it is incredibly intelligent.”
Another fan on Rotten Tomatoes said: “A unique take on an alien invasion, with an ending that leaves you completely speechless. The acting is outstanding, paired with a perfectly crafted storyline.
“The way the film explores the power of language is nothing short of incredible.”
One fan said the last five minutes of the movie “tore me apart”. “This truly is a must-see. Amy Adams was perfection. The entire cast was superb. Have tissues handy!”
The film has an 83% score on the site among general audiences, as well as a superb 94% Tomatometer score, reflecting the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review. It has a 12 certficate and contains infrequent strong language.
Arrival is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. It’s also available to stream on NOW (add-on required), and buy or rent on other platforms.
