Have you ever wanted to see an alien invasion film not much less soothing than a commercial for candles? “The Arrival” is your surest bet, and I know that sounds like a slam but it’s hands-down the most satisfying aliens movie in years.
What Works: Every Fall for the last few years, there’s a “thinking person’s” sci-fi film (the terrific “Gravity,” the so-so “The Martian,” “Interstellar” which is the best of them all) but up until now they haven’t actually featured aliens in that prestige Fall sci-fi movie. And you can tell just by the advertisements that “The Arrival” has less in common with “Independence Day” than “Contact.” Amy Adams gives a wide open, empathetic performance whose emotionalism only heightens the plot twist at the end. And a film about macho militarism standing down in the face of global unity (that is also self-interest) may be exactly what American audiences need to see right now.
What Doesn’t: You need to be in the right mood to watch this movie. I had to technically see it twice because I fell asleep the first time. That may not sound like a ringing endorsement, but the film is so beautiful and warm that it may be the very first aliens invasion movie that actually comforts people as they’re trying to go to sleep. [I can see this becoming a big hit for people who may want something to drift off to on a rainy day.]
What I Would Have Done Differently: Any efforts to change the film’s softer tone would also defeat its purpose. “The Arrival” is spreading a positive, unique message in an age that needs it, and deserves credit for making the potential end of the human race feel this intimate and personal.