ARRIVAL (2016)

[Vic Sage]

Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners) has adapted a great SF short story (“Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang) into a great film.

A dozen alien ships land in random places around the world, but the aliens remain unseen, within their stone-like monoliths. Countries bring teams of linguists and scientists in to try and communicate with them, as people start to panic. In the US, the military (Forrest Whitaker) bring in a team (Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner) and they may yet uncover a truth that will change humanity forever.

It’s a thoughtful, dreamlike film about causality and free will, and, despite its intellectual conceits, it is deeply moving. It is a contemplative film, not an action movie, and its deliberate pacing can put some people off. But i found it emotionally satisfying and I recommend it.

I also recommend Ted Chiang's short story collection where i originally found the story, called "Stories of Your Life and others"
https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Your-Life-Others-Chiang/dp/B00BQ1TZDA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

[Vic Sage]

has anybody else seen it?

[smg58]

I want to, but I haven't gotten the chance.

[RealityChuck]

Saw it today. It is the best sf film since 12 Monkeys. Sophisticated storytelling, real sf problems, and amazing emotional depth. Nice use of suspense, and nothing but smart characters. Ted Chaing, who wrote the original story, is an amazing writer and the movie takes all the strengths of his story and uses it perfectly.

Fine acting, too, and the ending gives you a lot to think about.

Definitely see it.

[Guest sharpie]

Saw it on Christmas. Liked it. Liked that the aliens had no human characteristics.

[ashie62]

b-o-r-i-n-g

[MFS62]

Its being rereleased for those of us who missed it.

Later

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I thought it was pretty good... 3.5 stars? Quiet and atmospheric. The weather was cloudy every time they were outside and you could barely make out the creatures through similarly cloudy glass. The whole thing was dreamy.

[Vic Sage]

Exactly. The movie floats like a dream.