It's been a long time since I rated a movie with a 10, or even a 9, here on IMDb. But a lot of the reviews show, how a sizable number of people were disappointed, or even angered, by 'Arrival'. The reason that so many viewers were really put off by this movie, while many others praise it enthusiastically, stems from the fine line it walks. If it doesn't suit you from the start, you've got two long hours to get quite mad. A fine line: Not much happening in this film, on the other hand - and following my experience of the movie - a rewarding story-line pushed energetically forward. Oftentimes seemingly lifeless, shot in mostly dull colors, the sparse action oriented parts playing out mostly off screen, or transmitted only via news broadcasts ... What's to like? Well, in my opinion, a lot. Starting with the nuanced, and very humane, performance of Amy Adams, the fitting soundtrack (but no engulfing/immersing orchestral music, actually not much "music music" at all), the elegantly weighed photography, but most of all the serene calmness of an intense revelation story at the center of this very intelligent film. I felt like I was taken by the hand and guided by this movie while its grand design unfolded without making a fuss of it. Enough bad poetry: considering the many movies that have hitherto tackled the theme of First Contact, and there were some good ones among them, that I still like to watch, 'Arrival' is now by far the best take there is on this sub-genre with its sometimes proud, and sometimes also very funny, history. That said, I really understand people disliking this movie. If it doesn't get a hold of someone, I'm afraid, there's no redemption to be had with him or her for 'Arrival'. Those who haven't seen it yet, just give it a try.
Review of Arrival
