Movie review: ‘Arrival’ superb sci-fi tale is a perfect pick for thoughtful tweens and teens
"Arrival." (Paramount Pictures)
Amy Adams as Louise Banks in "Arrival." (Paramount Pictures)
The sci-fi movie "Arrival" stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that “Arrival” is a deeply thoughtful sci-fi movie about trying to communicate with aliens rather than defeat them. It presents battle and war as last resorts, with only frightened, desperate people looking to violence as a solution. It champions education, compassion, and curiosity and has a strong female lead character (Amy Adams). Brief, upsetting hospital scenes show a girl dying of an invasive disease, and there’s an explosion and the threat of war. Language is infrequent, although there is one use of “f–k.” Other words heard are more along the lines of “screw it,” “God no,” “I hate you,” and “idiot.” One adult character drinks wine, and there are references to a married relationship, a budding romance, and a hug. Although the movie is slow-paced, it’s a great, exceptionally compassionate pick for families with curious, thoughtful tweens and teens.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
In “Arrival,” professor of languages Dr. Louise Banks is headed to work when news of an alien landing spreads. Twelve alien pods are now hovering in different spots all over the world. Before long, she’s approached by Colonel Weber. He asks for her help in translating the alien language, in hopes of learning the purpose of their visit. Paired with scientist Ian Donnelly, Louise ascends into the spaceship and meets the aliens face-to-face. After several trips, she finds she can communicate with them through writing. As the world waits and starts to panic, and talk of war begins, Louise and Ian may have discovered the secret that could save them all — if it’s not too late.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
This deeply thoughtful, profoundly compassionate sci-fi movie beautifully mixes realism with a sense of wonder. It keeps its mysteries at bay, and, amazingly, doesn’t disappoint when all is revealed. French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve is becoming one of the best, smartest cinematic storytellers in the world, finding new ways to pull the camera back and observe, taking a little extra time to find emotions, and explore spaces and sounds (a chirping bird is especially poignant). The cinematography by Bradford Young (“Selma”) is breathtakingly mesmerizing, still and patient, without relying on action or adrenaline.
The long build-up to the meeting of the aliens in “Arrival” is as wondrous and breathless as anything the movies have conjured up recently. Most films that begin with mysteries eventually give up everything, and invariably too soon, resulting in an anticlimax. But the puzzles and the thought-provoking solutions in “Arrival”only enrich the movie’s transcendent quality; we’re left with satisfying answers, but also fantastic questions.
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RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 11 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Positive messages: 4 out of 5
Positive role models: 3 out of 5
Violence: 2 out of 5
Sex: 0 out of 5
Language: 3 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Consumerism: 0 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
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MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: November 11, 2016
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 116 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
