Most movies featuring aliens visiting Earth inevitably present us with an explosion or two (or a hundred) in which our planet is invaded by these unwelcome visitors, usually for no reasons that make sense to a healthy, open mind. In director Dennis Villeneuve's smart and daring new film, Arrival, the aliens look like the monstrous, multi-legged arachnids from The Mist, but their intentions are of the friendlier kind. They want to "give us weapon", or that, at least, is what Amy Adams' linguist, Louise Banks, is able to decipher from their circular-shaped alphabet at first. Struggling with memories of her own daughter, who passed away due to complications with cancer, Banks is faced with visions of confusing nature, and as she slowly but surely learns the meaning of the aliens' visit, she becomes aware that her perceptions are actually her mind opening up to this invaluable education she's been privy to. The final act may be confusing for some, but it ultimately utilizes science-fiction and genuine drama to produce a conclusion so riveting it may actually stick with you for days. Or weeks. Or forever.
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