Arrival

(Dennis Villeneuve/2016/USA) 

Big squids from space come and teach us about time being a dimension not a continuum so we can take an evolutionary baby step. All tied into the personal story of the translator played by Amy Adams. It’s really well done with a feisty performance from Adams. Villeneuve is great at setting up big mood twanging scenes. The whole first contact scenario plays out pretty much as you’d expect if you’ve seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind but with some lovely updates such as the gravity kink in the entrance tunnel. I really enjoyed this and as schmaltzy as the ending is it works and you stand up to leave with your heart a bit fuller than when you sat down to start watching.

(3.5/5)