Arrival

Arrival

Year: 2016

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Sci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

When twelve mysterious spacecraft appear over different locations across the globe, linguist Louise Banks is recruited by the U.S. military to attempt communication with the alien visitors. As global tensions rise and nations teeter on the edge of conflict, Banks and physicist Ian Donnelly race to understand the aliens' complex language and intentions. Her work pushes the boundaries of human understanding and challenges her perception of time and reality, ultimately determining the fate of Earth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Arrival (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Arrival (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present Day

The film is set in the current time period, reflecting contemporary events such as military tensions and global communication challenges. The narrative tackles themes of understanding and collaboration amidst crises, resonating with modern societal issues. The advanced technologies and ideas presented are indicative of the ongoing scientific explorations of our era.

Location

Montana, Earth

The movie takes place in Montana, where a military base is set up near the landing site of extraterrestrial crafts. Known for its vast open spaces and natural beauty, Montana serves as a stark backdrop for the tension between humanity and the extraterrestrial visitors. The military base becomes the focal point of the efforts to communicate with the Heptapods.

🌌 Science Fiction 🌍 Earth 🏞️ Montana

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

Main Characters – Arrival (2016)

Meet the key characters of Arrival (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Louise Banks

Louise is a talented linguist grappling with profound personal loss while tasked with an extraordinary challenge. Her resilience and intellect drive her to decode an alien language, showcasing her deep understanding of communication. Through her journey, she embodies the struggle between grief and hope, ultimately choosing to embrace her future despite its inevitable pain.

👩‍🏫 Linguist 🌟 Strong-willed 💔 Grieving

Colonel Weber

Colonel Weber is a pragmatic military leader who recognizes Louise's unique skills amid a global crisis. His character illustrates the military's challenge in balancing security and scientific exploration. Despite the tension, he plays a crucial role in facilitating communication with the Heptapods, showcasing a blend of authority and cooperation.

👨‍✈️ Military 🔍 Pragmatic 🌍 Global Affairs

Ian Donnelly

Ian is a brilliant physicist and Louise's collaborator, whose analytical mind complements her linguistic talents. He serves as a bridge between science and emotional depth, demonstrating vulnerability as he confronts the implications of their work. His relationship with Louise evolves amidst the unfolding crisis, highlighting themes of love and connection.

👨‍🔬 Physicist ❤️ Supportive 🔄 Collaborative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

Major Themes – Arrival (2016)

Explore the central themes of Arrival (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕰️ Time

The theme of time is intricately explored through the Heptapods' non-linear perception of it. Louise's experiences highlight the idea that understanding time differently can reshape human experiences and decisions. The film questions how knowledge of the future influences choices and the nature of fate.

🌐 Communication

Effective communication serves as the foundation of the film's plot. The challenge of deciphering the Heptapods' language symbolizes broader themes of understanding and cooperation among different cultures. Louise's determination to bridge the gap between species underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.

💔 Loss and Acceptance

Louise’s journey is marked by her grief over the loss of her daughter, intertwining personal tragedy with the larger narrative of hope and acceptance. As she begins to understand the Heptapods' language, she also confronts her emotions and the inevitability of her future. This theme poignantly examines how love and loss shape human decisions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

Unlock the Full Story of Arrival

Don't stop at just watching — explore Arrival in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Arrival is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Arrival Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Arrival, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Arrival Summary

Arrival Timeline

Track the full timeline of Arrival with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Arrival Timeline

Arrival Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Arrival? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Arrival Ending Explained

More About Arrival

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Arrival: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Arrival

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