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 – Arrival (2016)

Trace every key event in Arrival (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Loss of Louise's Daughter

Linguist Louise Banks suffers a profound emotional blow with the death of her young daughter from cancer. This personal tragedy deeply affects her outlook on life and shapes her emotional state as the story unfolds.

2

Arrival of Extraterrestrial Crafts

Twelve massive extraterrestrial crafts suddenly arrive on Earth, creating a global sensation and panic. Governments scramble to make sense of the phenomenon, leading to heightened military activity and collaboration.

3

Colonel Weber Recruits Louise

Colonel Weber approaches Louise to enlist her expertise in linguistics to decode the alien language. Alongside her is Ian Donnelly, an experimental physicist, making it a critical partnership between science and language.

Military Base, Montana
4

First Contact with Heptapods

Louise and Ian gain access to the mothership and make first contact with the Heptapods, whom they name Abbott and Costello. The aliens' seven-limbed structure and unique environment provoke both awe and curiosity within the team.

Mothership
5

Decoding the Alien Language

The team begins their challenging task of understanding the Heptapods' complex written language, characterized by intricate circular symbols. This process causes Louise to experience vivid visions that blur the line between present and future.

Military Base, Montana
6

Cryptic Message from the Heptapods

In a pivotal interaction, the Heptapods communicate a message that translates to 'offer weapon'. This revelation creates fear among global leaders, leading to tensions as some countries take drastic steps towards military action.

Military Base, Montana
7

Growing Global Tensions

The ambiguous message from the Heptapods escalates fears, causing various nations to sever communication and prepare for aggression. Louise grows concerned that the intended meaning behind 'weapon' may have been misinterpreted.

8

Rogue Military Actions

Unknown to Louise and Ian, rogue military personnel plant explosives inside the spacecraft in a desperate attempt to assert control. This reckless decision adds a layer of urgency to the already tense situation.

Mothership
9

Revelation of Non-Linear Time

After a close encounter with danger, Ian realizes that the circular symbols are linked to a non-linear perception of time. This discovery suggests that the Heptapods may possess knowledge that humanity needs to understand for future cooperation.

Military Base, Montana
10

Confrontation with Costello

During a tense moment, Louise receives a critical message from Costello about Abbott’s declining health. This encounter deepens Louise's understanding of the Heptapods' true intentions, illustrating their desire to help humanity.

Mothership
11

Louise's Vision of Future Events

As the impending military action looms, Louise experiences powerful visions of her future, including the birth of her daughter, Hannah. These insights reveal the Heptapods' motivation and the importance of their language for human survival.

12

Crisis with General Shang

In a vision, Louise foresees a crucial meeting at the United Nations where General Shang expresses gratitude for her intervention. Overwhelmed by the responsibility, she realizes the impact of her actions on global peace.

United Nations
13

Attempt to Reach General Shang

Louise takes a leap of faith by using a satellite phone to contact General Shang, attempting to prevent the military attack. Faced with uncertainty, she draws strength from her visions as inspiration for her message.

14

Stopping the Military Attack

Through a heartfelt conversation, Louise successfully persuades General Shang to halt the attack. By mirroring his wife's last words in Mandarin, she restores communication and collaboration between the nations.

15

Reflection on Choices and Hope

As the military camp prepares for departure, Ian confesses his love to Louise, prompting deep reflection on life choices. Despite knowing the future's heartache, Louise chooses to embrace the journey ahead with hope.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:54

Unlock the Full Story of Arrival

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Arrival

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Arrival

Arrival Ending Explained

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Arrival Ending Explained

More About Arrival

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