Customer Ratings & Reviews

If Batman v Superman didn't do Amy Adams any justice, then Arrival will. For once, Arrival tells a compelling story: a known language connoisseur is assigned to translate what a group of aliens is communicating in order to understand why they arrived on Earth. Adams characters, Louise Banks, is quite intelligent and will never be the same. After deciphering their language, she has her perception of time manipulated. How scary! Jeremy Renner's character is quite funny. There may be no true antagonists, but the antagonists are the world and their (hostile) perception of the aliens. Finally, the aliens' writing system is magnificent! I wish I knew how to spell my name in their language!

Arrival creates an interesting correlation between the linearity of language and the linearality of time. Worth watching more than once to fully appreciate the complex interweaving of reading and moving through time this film so artistically presents.

A group of scientists must find a way to communicate with aliens after they land at 12 locations around the world. While trying to communicate with the aliens, linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams), discovers that time is non-linear for the aliens, and they have a different means of communication.

Great movie I love it . I love movies like this. I saw it twice

I was very surprised at the quality of the acting. I really enjoyed this film

I love sci-fy, and this movie really breaks all the traditions for this genre. The aliens, the ships they have, and most importantly, (to this movie) how they communicate, breaks all the rules! I have to say that it is a very difficult movie to follow, jumping around in time. But the question it asks is very interesting. Would you want to know your future? I have watched this movie maybe 8-10 times now, and I still don't get tired of it. The acting, directing, and writing are all first rate. Amy Adams is terrific!

This was one was another example of refreshingly original design, exceptional acting, & very impressive effects that was loved by critics but had slightly mixed responses from general moviegoers. Perhaps a little reminiscent of some Shamalan titles & Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar for its seemingly unusual story development & climax but many would especially compare it to the classic movie, Contact.

Canadian Denis Villeneuve is one of the most brilliant filmmakers alive, having just come off of a string of five consecutive masterpieces, starting with "Polytechnique" in 2009 and proceeding with "Incendies", "Prisoners", "Enemy", and 2015's "Sicario". Known for bending viewers' minds with provocative movies that sometimes require copious thought to unlock their meanings, "Arrival" is not an exception. Ostensibly an alien-invasion movie about an expert linguist who is called upon to decode the language of arriving aliens in order to communicate with them, the film reaches so much further, even to primal questions of human existence. It is a hard film to discuss because it contains a bona-fide puzzle a viewer must unlock (involving time and, possibly, other dimensions) in order to even approach the film's meaning. If one 'gets' it, the film's denouement can be an emotional epiphany for the viewer; if not, one might flounder in enigmas upon leaving the theater. The film's genius is that either way the viewer should find this film haunting him for days after, perhaps taunting him to unlock its secrets. A second viewing is virtually a necessity, not only to study its careful plotting but also to appreciate its emotional resonances one has been too busy to appreciate upon first viewing, and it is a revelation upon seeing it again to find that the film has completely 'played fair,' providing visual and audio clues that had passed unnoticed. Amy Adams plays the linguist with such deep sincerity and total commitment, so important when one realizes that she is the true center of the film -- and Villeneuve, along with cinematographer Bradford Young, has supplied visuals so breathtakingly stunning you might have to pinch yourself to believe what your eyes are seeing. The visuals are also matched by the remarkable score by Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (who had teamed with Villeneuve on "Prisoners" and "Sicario") using vocals and experimental piano 'loops' to put viewers into an other-worldly state of being. It is such an audacious, creative piece of intelligent, adult science fiction (something rarely encountered today), the thoughtful, open-minded viewer should embrace this as a gem for both the mind and heart, and not hold against it that it is less interested in the usual science fiction tropes than the light and dark paradigms of human existence.

This movie wasn’t what I thought it would b. I thought it would have more action yet not the case. It was still good, more of a drama so it went a bit slow till u got the heart of the movie. A interesting movie that would leave for a good conversation with friends which is always nice introspective, to get others view point.

Arrival takes your expectations and subverts them in the best way. It challenges you to think differently while watching and not take everything for granted. Amy Adams gives a stellar performance. This is sci-fi at its best - asking difficult questions and not providing neat answers.

"Arrival" had been on my books since its release for a viewing but I ended up getting to this one much later than usual. Once Best Buy put this on a $10 sale, it was time for me to buy it (I have a personal policy to buy Blu-rays for movies I truly want when they reach a cinema movie ticket price) and it made its way into my collection. A month later, I finally watched it and BAM!! WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE!! Modern-day cinema is certainly replete with tales of Alien visitation of all kinds but the way in which "Arrival" has written its story and the deft direction it received puts it very high on my list of movies. Essentially, you'll be watching a movie that's destined to be labeled as a classic, right up there with sci-fi classics from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. NOTE: This is NOT a movie rife with action, so those looking for an adrenaline-laden experience should check in elsewhere. If you're looking for a dramatic, thought-provoking experience with realistic direction and acting performances, you've found the right film. The film's experience will stay on your mind for days afterward and you'll very likely want repeat viewings. As for the Blu-ray disc, you can't go wrong with this one. The video is very good (not perfect because the film has a darker palette than one would expect but it WAS the choice of the director and it's presented well on Blu-ray) and the audio immerses you fully wherever the story goes. Personally, I would have enjoyed a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X track for this film because the film's content is a great contender for the additional channels. However, if you have a receiver capable of DTS Neural Surround (DTS:X for DTS HD-MA 5.1 or 7.1 tracks), you WILL be treated to a highly engaging surround experience. There are times where the dialogue is critical to follow, so for those of you with the choice of watching this on your family room HDTV without a soundbar or home theater receiver or in a dedicated HT room, I highly recommend the HT room. The extras are good (for a film of this caliber, I wanted more) and you'll likely want to look at them not too long after you finish the film. If you're a fan of truly intelligent sci-fi and a look into the human drama behind an encounter with the ultimate unknown, I can't see how you'd consider this experience to be anything less than stellar. This one comes Highly Recommended.

A good, underrated science fiction film. Worth your time if you like sci fi films.

Being weened on 50's, 60's, and other top-notch science fiction movies ever since like Signs, and the Alien, the Predator, the Thing and as-of-late Cloverfield series, which by the way has a modern day Ripley-like heroine, subtly and masterfully portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, right here on Earth who will ultimately save our precious planet by spearheading a newfound resistance, I found The Arrival, although excellently crafted, directed, and performed overall a level below all of these other classics. Amy Adams is a worthy heroine and ambassador for Earth's first contact with a technologically superior and somewhat more advanced alien species that's ventured to Earth out of scientific curiosity and benevolence, not imperialistic colonization or conquering. This can be a refreshing approach to a new series of alien science fiction! However, compare it to The Day the Earth Stood Still and Klaatu's compassion and diplomacy for humanity's welfare. Yet, Klaatu's and his master race's best intentions for peace on Earth were to be enforced by Gort, the giant robot empowered with a disintegrating ray that could destroy the world if we don't comply to their mandates of passivity. An incredibly imposing creation of imminent danger standing-by ready to be activated by any of our petty earthling world leaders' stupid squabbles, Gort dutifully awaits! These comparisons are merely to point that The Arrival is a whole different concept of an extra-terrestrial visitation on Earth for our ultimate welfare and benefit, hopefully. A very nice addition to any sci-fi fans collection!

Went in not knowing what to expect and I came out so pleased and surprised. The film was brilliant and the performances were fantastic. The ending was so satisfying but had the perfect twist. A lot of depth in this film and it wont disappoint.

Put on your thinkers cap for this emotional sci-fi drama. You'll be drawn in from the opening shot to a surprise ending. Subdued yet strong performances by Amy and Jeremy.

Canadian Denis Villeneuve is one of the most brilliant filmmakers alive, having just come off of a string of five consecutive masterpieces, starting with "Polytechnique" in 2009 and proceeding with "Incendies", "Prisoners", "Enemy", and last year's "Sicario" (my favorite film of 2015). Known for bending viewers' minds with provocative movies that sometimes require copious thought to unlock their meanings, "Arrival" is not an exception. Ostensibly an alien-invasion movie about an expert linguist who is called upon to decode the language of arriving aliens in order to communicate with them, the film reaches so much further, even to primal questions of human existence. It is a hard film to discuss because it contains a bona-fide puzzle a viewer must unlock (involving time and, possibly, other dimensions) in order to even approach the film's meaning. If one 'gets' it, the film's denouement can be an emotional epiphany for the viewer; if not, one might flounder in enigmas upon leaving the theater. The film's genius is that either way the viewer should find this film haunting him for days after, perhaps taunting him to unlock its secrets. A second viewing is virtually a necessity, not only to study its careful plotting but also to appreciate its emotional resonances one has been too busy to appreciate upon first viewing, and it is a revelation upon seeing it again to find that the film has completely 'played fair,' providing visual and audio clues that had passed unnoticed. Amy Adams plays the linguist with such deep sincerity and total commitment, so important when one realizes that she is the true center of the film -- and Villeneuve, along with cinematographer Bradford Young, has supplied visuals so breathtakingly stunning you might have to pinch yourself to believe what your eyes are seeing. The visuals are also matched by the remarkable score by Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (who had teamed with Villeneuve on "Prisoners" and "Sicario") using vocals and experimental piano 'loops' to put viewers into an other-worldly state of being. It is such an audacious, creative piece of intelligent, adult science fiction (something rarely encountered today), the thoughtful, open-minded viewer should embrace this as a gem for both the mind and heart, and not hold against it that it is less interested in the usual science fiction tropes than the light and dark paradigms of human existence.

I can watch this movie time and time again. Each time I notice small details that keep the movie interesting. I like the message of language and sharing amongst the 12 countries where the spaceships hover.

We have watched this several times and always notice something new with each viewing. Brilliant script, fine acting and knock-out score keeps drawing us back. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Arrival is a movie that truly makes you think. It's use of symbolism and slow-story telling creates an atmosphere great for any viewer. Expect it to be slow, but the payoff at the end is worth the wait.

Put your thinking caps on for this one. the movie is engaging but you have to very observant and follow every minute of the movie to figure out the end of the movie. But if you get it, it is mind blowing.