New Scientist reports that Denis Villeneuve’s film Arrival remains a "staggering" piece of science fiction a decade after its release in the UK. The film follows the story of Louise, a linguist played by Amy Adams, who is tasked with translating the language of "heptapods"—seven-limbed life forms inhabiting a mysterious craft hundreds of metres tall that has landed in Montana.
The narrative begins with a two-minute montage depicting the death of 12-year-old Hannah. The film explores how Hannah’s presence and absence shape a defining moment in human history, primarily through the perspective of her mother, Louise.
Working alongside physicist Ian (Jeremy Renner), who prefers to use mathematics to approach the aliens, Louise must navigate the "near-impossible task" of translating for the heptapods. The report highlights the film's "beautifully spare" script, noting that it conveys significant meaning through every exchange between the humans who have gathered at the site.
The story includes a specific interaction where a scientist reveals the heptapods usher humans out of their craft after around 2 hours to prevent suffocation. When CIA agent David Halpern (Michael Stuhlbarg) questions why it takes 18 hours to establish contact again, Ian explains that atmospheric differences could affect the time needed to pump in fresh air. Halpern responds, “So you’re saying they could suffocate us if they wanted?”
The film explores the concept of linguistic relativity—the idea that the structure and style of a language influences how we perceive the world. Louise must figure out how to present this knowledge to her human companions without triggering "all-out war."
The report describes the film as "stunningly shot" by Villeneuve and cinematographer Bradford Young, noting that aside from "a few bits of dodgy CGI," the film has not aged. The author concludes that the film remains "heartbreaking and life-affirming."
Additionally, the report mentions that if reports are correct, Villeneuve is set to direct an adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama.
