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Arrival 2016

“Why are they here?”

★ 7.6/10 · 19,526 votes PG-13 DramaScience FictionMystery Released
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Quick answer

What is Arrival?

Arrival is a 2016 American science fiction drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Eric Heisserer. The screenplay is based on the 1998 novella Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang.

Type
Film
Year
2016
Status
Released
Runtime
116 minutes
Release date
Nov 10, 2016
Original language
EN
Origin
United States of America
Studios
FilmNation Entertainment, Lava Bear Films, 21 Laps Entertainment
Budget
$47,000,000
Revenue
$203,388,186
Genres
Drama, Science Fiction, Mystery
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Availability by region

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Trailer

Overview

Arrival is a 2016 American science fiction drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Eric Heisserer. The screenplay is based on the 1998 novella Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang. The narrative begins when mysterious, gigantic spacecrafts touch down in twelve locations around the globe. In response to the extraterrestrial arrival, the military recruits Louise Banks, an expert linguist and professor, to lead an elite team of investigators. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must determine whether the visitors come in peace or pose a threat to humanity. Tasked with deciphering the complex communications of the extraterrestrial visitors, Banks works to find a way to bridge the gap between species. Throughout the process of investigating the craft and their occupants, the linguist eventually uncovers a life-altering message. The film, which was released on November 11, 2016, features Amy Adams in the role of Louise Banks and explores the day the universe changed forever.

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Should you watch it?

“A linguist is recruited by the military to communicate with extraterrestrials after their crafts land on Earth.”

Reasons to watch
  • engaging linguistic premise
  • thought-provoking narrative
Keep in mind
  • slow-paced
  • complex subject matter

Watch it if you enjoy cerebral science fiction that prioritizes communication over action.

The film features intense themes regarding global military response to an extraterrestrial arrival.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the film about?

The story follows a linguist tasked by the military to determine the intentions of aliens who have landed on Earth.

Is this film available to stream?

Yes, the film is available on various streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

Does the film feature high-definition options?

Yes, the film is available in 4K format.

Is this a documentary about airports?

No, this is a fictional film about an alien arrival, not a resource for flight tracking or airport schedules.

What is the primary conflict?

The central conflict involves determining whether the extraterrestrial visitors come in peace or pose a threat.