With eyeballs pinned back by the computer imagery of Independence Day and the Star Wars reprise of the original, it seems logical that Arrival should be marketed as science fiction. A number of alien craft descend on the Earth and hover — so what do they want, and are they enemies about to harvest our poor, depleted planet? Actually, no: their purpose is revealed only towards the end, and the film is subdued, almost crafted for nouveau outlets. Its avoidance of crashing conflict focuses on Dr Louise Banks, a linguist tormented by flashes of visions of past and future. It’s an internal, emotional portrait. She’s played by Amy Adams in a performance of a lifetime. There is one caveat. The aliens in their vast, oblate eggy ships are revealed as — well, that’s a reveal. I yearned for Stanley Kubrick’s hints at powers and shapes that are invisible; and how much more powerful an impression that makes. Here the "heptapods" are on show once Louise penetrates their craft, detracting from the...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.