“Arrival” is the Science Fiction blockbuster of 2016, directed by Dennis Villeneuve and based on a short story called “Story of your Life”. Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whittaker. Aliens land in locations all around Earth and the World Leaders react. Seems simple, but prepare for a ride. Despite this being a Thriller and a modern Sci-Fi, I would probably also describe this one as a Drama.
At the beginning of the film, in one of the most heart breaking scenes since Disney’s “Up”, we are introduced to Louise (Adams) who is a linguist and a language professor. The first scene is short, sweet and devastating — so if you are an emotional wreck (like me…) make sure to pack the tissues. When “they” (the Aliens) arrive, the story begins. “Arrival” portrays quite a realistic take on what I would feel would be a world news epidemic if something like this was to happen to us right now. The almost confusing and mysterious sense to the first half of the movie game me a “personal” feel to the whole situation. I had the feeling of “… how I would feel in this situation” until the story unfolds and I was whisked away in the amazing performance by Adams. The most amazing thing about this story is the personal attachment that Adam’s has with the Aliens as she speaks with them and tries to understand their purpose on Earth.
Aside from the emotional performance that Adams delivers in her role, the action and the science fiction is a perfect mix for me. I am a sucker for a good action film, throw in some super awesome aliens and some comedy and that would be my perfect movie. I’m not saying that “Arrival” is that, but I really enjoyed it and I have definitely added it to my list of favourite Sci-Fi movies.
It is hard not to compare this movie to similar personable/sci-fi blockbuster titles such as “Interstellar” but I really believe it is worth your time if you are a lover of sci-fi, aliens, or science. It is a beautiful combination of science and love and the fictional relationship that could be between human and extra terrestrial life. 
As a language tutor, I find the scenes where they taught the aliens English quite interesting. Reminds me of Krashen’s input hypothesis, the theory of language acquisition through immersion and comprehensible input.
However, when Amy Adams spoke Chinese on the phone with the Chinese general, I had no idea what she was saying. Maybe the film should have showed English subtitles so the audience wouldn’t be confused about what was going on.