Arrival Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Squid aliens visit Earth to give humans the gift of knowing the future, so they can… prevent a global war that was about to happen because everyone was scared of the squid aliens; mind blown.

🍿 Arrival: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival of the Heptapods

Linguistics professor Dr. Louise Banks is recruited by the U.S. military, led by Colonel Weber, to decipher the language of extraterrestrial beings that have arrived in twelve spacecraft scattered across the globe. Physicist Ian Donnelly joins her. The immediate goal is to understand their intentions amidst rising global tensions and fear. Initial communication is challenging as the aliens’ language is unlike anything known on Earth.

Deciphering the Alien Language

Louise and Ian work tirelessly to establish a communication system with the aliens, dubbed ‘Heptapods’ due to their seven limbs. They begin to understand the Heptapod’s unique written language, which consists of complex circular symbols. As Louise immerses herself in this alien language, she begins to experience vivid visions and a changed perception of time, blurring the lines between past, present, and future.

Global Tensions and Misinterpretations

As Louise makes progress in understanding the Heptapods, global tensions escalate. Other nations interpret the aliens’ message as a threat, leading to preparations for military action. A key symbol is misinterpreted as ‘weapon,’ fueling the fear. Rogue soldiers, driven by paranoia, attempt to sabotage the mission and destroy the alien craft, complicating the already delicate situation. The film emphasizes the importance of clear communication to avoid disastrous misunderstandings on a global scale.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Louise Banks (Amy Adams): A gifted linguist recruited by the military to decipher the language of extraterrestrial visitors and understand their purpose on Earth.
• Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner): A physicist working alongside Louise to understand the science and technology behind the aliens’ arrival.
• Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker): The military leader who brings Louise and Ian together, tasked with managing the first contact situation and ensuring national security.
• General Shang (Tzi Ma): A Chinese general whose actions and decisions greatly influence the global response to the alien arrival.
• Abbott (N/A): One of the heptapods with whom Dr. Banks and Dr. Donnelly communicate.
• Costello (N/A): One of the heptapods with whom Dr. Banks and Dr. Donnelly communicate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Louise Banks: “Language is the foundation of civilization. It is the glue that holds a people together. It is the first weapon drawn in a conflict.” – Louise explains the power and importance of understanding language, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict.
• Louise Banks: “If you could see your whole life from start to finish, would you change things?” – Louise ponders the implications of non-linear time and its effect on decision-making, a question that resonates throughout the film.
• Louise Banks: “Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it. And I welcome every moment of it.” – Louise accepts the bittersweet reality of her future, embracing the joy and sorrow of life with her daughter.
• Costello: “Offer Weapon.” – The seemingly threatening initial message from the Heptapods, which is later reinterpreted as a gift or tool of language.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $47,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $100,546,139
• Worldwide Gross: $212,758,656

💥 Arrival Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so, I saw Arrival last night, and wow. I’m still processing it. Amy Adams is incredible; she really carries the whole movie. The way the story unfolds, with the ‘flashbacks’ that are actually flash-forwards, is genius. I was a mess during the last act, just completely emotionally invested in Louise’s journey. And that ending? So powerful. It made me think about choices and destiny in a whole new way. Definitely one of the best sci-fi films I’ve ever seen. I have to watch it again, like, immediately.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction films with intellectual themes.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives about communication and humanity.”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning and emotionally resonant storytelling.”
  • “Anyone interested in linguistics and the power of language.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence and some thematic elements related to grief and loss.”
  • “May be emotionally intense for some viewers.”
  • “Suitable for older teens and adults.”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Arrival is a stunning and emotional science fiction film that explores communication, understanding, and the nature of time itself. Amy Adams delivers a powerful performance, grounding the film in its humanity amidst the extraordinary circumstances. A must-see for fans of intelligent sci-fi.
• The Guardian: “Denis Villeneuve crafts a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film that lingers long after the credits roll. Arrival is a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere, with compelling performances and a unique take on the first contact scenario. A truly exceptional cinematic experience.
• Rolling Stone: “Amy Adams shines in this intelligent and moving sci-fi drama. Arrival tackles complex themes with grace and precision, offering a refreshing departure from typical alien invasion fare. Villeneuve’s direction is masterful, creating a sense of wonder and unease that grips the audience from beginning to end.

Audience Reactions

The film’s unique take on alien communication and its exploration of time perception deeply resonated with viewers.: Audiences praised the film’s intelligence, emotional depth, and Amy Adams’ outstanding performance.

The slow-burn storytelling and Villeneuve’s masterful direction were lauded for creating a sense of mystery and wonder.: Viewers appreciated the film’s departure from typical action-oriented sci-fi, embracing its thought-provoking themes and atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: Arrival is a critically acclaimed and audience-loved science fiction film that offers a refreshing and intelligent take on the first contact scenario, praised for its emotional depth, unique storytelling, and exceptional performances.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Sound Editing)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ted Chiang, the author of ‘Story of Your Life,’ the novella on which the film is based, praised the adaptation as ‘that rarest of the rare’ – both a good movie and a faithful adaptation.”
• “Denis Villeneuve’s daughter, Salomé Villeneuve, is credited as ‘Hazmat Suit Specialist’ in the film’s credits.”
• “The visual design of the Heptapod language was meticulously crafted to be both alien and mathematically sound.”

🖥️ How to Watch Arrival?

Arrival is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. You can rent or buy the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Arrival, you might like these similar films:

• Contact (1997): Both films explore themes of first contact with aliens, focusing on communication and the implications for humanity.
• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Shares a similar sense of wonder and philosophical exploration of humanity’s place in the universe, though less focused on language.
• Interstellar (2014): Explores themes of time, destiny, and humanity’s place in the cosmos, though with a focus on space travel and survival.
• Primer (2004): Explores the mind-bending consequences of tampering with time and perception, told from a more independent film angle.

🛒 Arrival Related Products

• Arrival (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Immerse yourself in the haunting and evocative score by Jóhann Jóhannsson. This vinyl edition captures the film’s ethereal atmosphere, featuring the iconic ‘On the Nature of Daylight’ and other memorable tracks.
• Story of Your Life and Others: Read the Hugo Award-winning short story ‘Story of Your Life’ by Ted Chiang, the inspiration behind the film. Explore the thought-provoking themes of language, time, and free will in this collection of science fiction stories.
• Arrival Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality print of the striking ‘Arrival’ movie poster. This poster captures the film’s mysterious atmosphere and features the iconic image of the alien spacecraft.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Arrival – Louise Banks in Hazmat Suit: Add Louise Banks to your Funko Pop collection! This vinyl figure features Louise in her iconic Hazmat suit as seen in the film. A fun, cute way to celebrate!

🎧 Soundtrack

Arrival features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “On the Nature of Daylight” – performed by Max Richter
• “Heptapod B” – performed by Jóhann Jóhannsson
• “The Beast” – performed by Jóhann Jóhannsson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ARRIVAL (2016) Ending Explained

If you’re curious about the mind-bending ending of Arrival, this video breaks it down in an easy-to-understand way. I found it particularly helpful in grasping the significance of the aliens’ language and its impact on the characters.

Arrival: A Response To Bad Movies

Nerdwriter1 offers a unique perspective on Arrival, exploring how it challenges the conventions of bad movies. His analysis is thought-provoking and sheds light on the film’s deeper themes.

ARRIVAL (2016) Ending + Creature EXPLAINED

For those who want to delve deeper into the intricacies of Arrival’s ending and the enigmatic aliens, this video offers a comprehensive explanation. It’s a must-watch for fans who appreciate a thorough breakdown of the film’s key elements.

Arrival — Examining an Adaptation

If you’re interested in the journey from short story to big screen, this video analyzes the adaptation of Arrival, highlighting the clever screenwriting and storytelling techniques that brought the film to life.

✨ Rate