Movie
Arrival

Average Bufph Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Arrival

IMDb 7.9 (836,259)

Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker

2016

Linguist Louise Banks leads a team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must find a way to communicate with the extraterrestrial vi...

Reviews by public Bufph profiles
  • scifi-nerd profile picture
    scifi-nerd
    November 15, 2025

    Arrival is a cerebral sci-fi experience that delves into the intricacies of language and communication. The film's narrative structure, which unfolds in a non-linear fashion, mirrors the complexity of the alien language the characters are trying to decipher. Amy Adams delivers a captivating performance as Louise Banks, a linguist grappling with the profound implications of her discoveries. The film's visual style is both ethereal and grounded, creating a sense of wonder and urgency. Arrival is a thought-provoking exploration of human connection and the passage of time, making it a standout in the genre.

  • andy.mendelson profile picture
    andy.mendelson
    September 30, 2025

    Denis Villeneuve's 'Arrival' is a linguistic and philosophical odyssey that challenges the viewer's understanding of time, communication, and the human experience. The film's intricate narrative structure, which unfolds in a non-linear fashion, mirrors the complexity of the alien language at its core. The exploration of temporal non-linearity and its implications on human cognition is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The film's visual aesthetics, combined with its profound thematic content, make it a compelling addition to any cinephile's collection. The interplay between scientific speculation and emotional storytelling is masterfully executed, offering a rich tapestry for intellectual engagement.

  • artyb profile picture
    artyb
    September 21, 2025

    I was captivated by 'Arrival' and its profound exploration of communication, time, and human understanding. Amy Adams delivers a remarkable performance as Louise Banks, bringing both intellectual rigor and emotional depth to her role as a linguist attempting to decode an alien language. The film's approach to first contact is refreshingly thoughtful, focusing on the complexities of language and perception rather than action sequences. What struck me most was how the story weaves together scientific methodology with deeply personal themes about memory, loss, and the nature of time itself. The visual design of the alien ships and their written language is both beautiful and haunting, creating an atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and grounded in reality.

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