Caffeinated Clint
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” by way of “Tree of Life”, “Arrival” is another of those peculiar, thought-provoking science-fiction films that no trailer can really do justice. Like a coconut, on the outside it may seem fairly ho-hum to the unversed, but break it up and you’ve something both appetizing and distinctly different.
Directed by rising cinematic wunderkind Denis Villeneuve (“Prisoners”, “Sicario”), “Arrival” beefs up Amy Adam’s super-impressive EPK reel with a turn as Linguistics professor Louise Banks. She’s been charged with the mission of leading a team of investigators into one (there’s twelve) of the huge spaceships that landed around the world. While the nations bitch and moan, coming deadly close to firing upon the so-far kindly visitors, Banks and mathematician Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) work towards finding a way to communicate with the E.T’s before it’s too late.
The first hour of “Arrival” is some of the most compelling cinema you’ll see all year. That build-up to ‘s first encounter is (and a testament to Adam’s credibly internalized performance) spine-chillingly divine. It’s an epic ride that first half. Also fabulous – after the dire “Independence Day : Resurgence” – to discover a science-fiction film that plays real and true again.
The latter half of Villeneuve’s beautiful film is also solid – as we quickly discover the film isn’t so much a tale about extra-terrestrials, as it is the alien element of grief and it’s effect on our past, present and future.
But once you know it’s going in that direction, you also know where and how it’s going to get there. That third act is a golf cart to the 18th hole – a walk on our own would’ve been better. That “twist” also isn’t as profound as it’s helmer – and writer Eric Heisserer (“Lights Out”) – might suppose it to be, but kudos to Villenueve for refusing to take the safe route and try answer a riddle with a riddle, anyway.
With outstanding performances by Adams and Renner, a mesmerizing production design by Patrice Vermette, pulsating, goosebump-spurring soundtrack by Jóhann Jóhannsson and slick direction from one of cinema’s new masters, there’s no denying “Arrival” is a terrifically crafted movie — just remember it’s about the journey, not the destination.
