Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.
AlienFirst ContactFemale ProtagonistLinguist
Arrival (2016)
Official Trailer • Courtesy of YouTube
Movie Team / Crew Detail
Arrival (2016) - Movie Crew Info
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Producers: Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder, David Linde
- Screenplay: Eric Heisserer
- Based on the short story by: Ted Chiang
- Cinematographer: Bradford Young
- Editor: Joe Walker
- Production Designer: Patrice Vermette
- Costume Designer: Renée April
- Visual Effects Supervisor: Louis Morin
- Music Composer: Jóhann Jóhannsson
- Sound Designer: Sylvain Bellemare
- Casting Director: Julie Schubert
- Executive Producers: David Linde, Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder
- Studio: 21 Laps Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Movie Summary
When mysterious spacecrafts suddenly appear in twelve different locations around the world, panic and confusion quickly spread. The U.S. military assembles a team of experts to make contact with the alien visitors and understand their purpose. Among these experts is Dr. Louise Banks, a renowned linguist who is recruited for her ability to decode languages and communicate effectively. Alongside physicist Ian Donnelly, Louise steps into the unknown, determined to bridge the gap between humanity and these enigmatic beings.
Louise and Ian are taken to one of the spacecrafts, which has landed in Montana. Inside, they encounter the aliens, referred to as “Heptapods” because of their seven-limbed appearance. The Heptapods communicate through complex circular symbols, unlike anything humans have seen before. Louise quickly realizes that understanding this language is key to uncovering the aliens’ intentions. As she studies the symbols, she begins to experience vivid, haunting visions that seem to blur the lines between past, present, and future.
As tensions rise worldwide, each country struggles with fear and suspicion, some even preparing for military action. The pressure mounts on Louise to crack the code before panic leads to catastrophic consequences. She carefully pieces together the meaning behind the alien language and discovers that the Heptapods’ perception of time is non-linear—they experience past, present, and future simultaneously. This revelation changes everything, especially how Louise views her own life and memories.
Through her growing ability to understand and think in the Heptapods’ language, Louise starts to remember moments from her future, including a daughter she has never yet had. These glimpses of the future bring both joy and sorrow, as she realizes the personal sacrifices she will face. Meanwhile, the world teeters on the edge of conflict, and Louise races against time to convey the aliens’ true message: their language is a gift that will help humanity unite and avoid disaster.
In a tense and emotional climax, Louise’s insights help prevent a global war. She shares the Heptapods’ message with the world, urging cooperation and trust. The aliens, having shared their language, prepare to leave Earth, leaving behind a powerful legacy about communication, understanding, and the nature of time itself.
“Arrival” is more than just a story about aliens; it’s a profound exploration of how language shapes our reality and how embracing different perspectives can change the course of humanity. Louise’s journey is both intellectual and deeply personal, reminding us that sometimes the greatest discoveries come from listening and understanding rather than fear. The film leaves viewers pondering time, memory, and the connections that define us all.
What This Movie Teaches Us
What "Arrival" Teaches Us
Arrival is a profound meditation on communication, time, and human connection. At its core, the film teaches that language is not just a tool for exchanging information but a bridge that shapes how we perceive reality and relate to one another. Through the story of Louise Banks, a linguist deciphering an alien language, we learn that understanding others requires patience, openness, and empathy.
Emotionally, Arrival reminds us that life’s moments—joyful or painful—are intertwined. The film’s unique view of time challenges us to embrace our experiences fully, even those involving loss, because they shape who we are and what we choose to become. It encourages the audience to value communication as a powerful force for unity, urging us to listen deeply and recognize our shared humanity, especially in moments of uncertainty.
Ultimately, Arrival teaches that by opening our minds and hearts, we can transcend fear and build meaningful connections, even with the most unknown and unfamiliar.
Awards & Nominations
Awards for Arrival (2016)
Academy Awards (Oscars)
- Won: Best Sound Editing – Sylvain Bellemare
BAFTA Awards
- Won: Best Production Design – Patrice Vermette, Paul Hotte
Critics' Choice Movie Awards
- Won: Best Score – Jóhann Jóhannsson
- Won: Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie
Saturn Awards
- Won: Best Science Fiction Film
- Won: Best Writing – Eric Heisserer
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards
- Won: Best Director – Denis Villeneuve
- Won: Best Score – Jóhann Jóhannsson
Visual Effects Society Awards
- Won: Outstanding Created Environment in a Photoreal Feature – Arrival Tower Interior
These accolades highlight the film’s excellence in sound editing, production design, musical score, writing, and visual effects, affirming Arrival’s critical acclaim and impact in the science fiction genre.
Controversies
The movie "Arrival," directed by Denis Villeneuve and released in 2016, is generally regarded as a critically acclaimed science fiction film with minimal controversy. However, there are a few points that have sparked some public discussion and critique:
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Scientific Accuracy and Linguistics Representation:
While "Arrival" was praised for its thoughtful portrayal of linguistics and communication, some experts in the field noted that the depiction of language decoding and the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (the idea that language shapes thought) was somewhat simplified or speculative. Linguists appreciated the film’s effort to bring linguistic science to mainstream audiences but debated the extent to which the movie’s premise aligns with current linguistic theories. -
Portrayal of Military and Government Response:
The film’s depiction of the military and government agencies as initially mistrustful and prone to aggressive responses towards the alien visitors generated some discussion. Some viewers saw this as a common trope in alien encounter stories, reinforcing a skeptical or alarmist portrayal of governmental institutions. Others felt it was a realistic reflection of geopolitical tensions and the challenges of international cooperation under crisis. -
Representation and Diversity:
Though not a major controversy, some commentators noted the film’s cast and character focus was predominantly Western, with limited international perspectives despite the global nature of the alien arrival. This was discussed in the context of Hollywood’s broader challenges with diversity and inclusion. -
Absence of Major Censorship Issues:
"Arrival" did not face significant censorship in major markets. Its themes and content were considered suitable for a general adult audience, and there were no notable restrictions or edits demanded by rating boards or governments. -
Critical Reception and Debate:
On a critical level, some viewers and critics debated the film’s pacing and narrative style, particularly its nonlinear storytelling and emphasis on philosophical themes over typical sci-fi action. While this was praised by many, others felt the movie was slow or overly cerebral.
In summary, "Arrival" has not been notably surrounded by controversies, censorship, or public debates beyond typical thematic and artistic critiques. It is primarily recognized for its intellectual approach to science fiction rather than any contentious public issues.