Spoilers Below
According to Euclid in “Elements’, “a circle is a plane figure contained by one line such that all the straight lines falling upon it from one point among those lying within the figure are equal.” In other vernacular, this means a circle has no true beginning or true end. It means that every point flows continuously into the next one. This is exactly what the plot and one of the main themes of Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival” explores. It explores a non-linear understanding of time, where past, present, and future are not separate, but blend as a part of a single, continuous submerges you into this concept.
The film rolls off with just a day before twelve alien ships belonging to the Heptapods’ land sporadically across the globe. Linguistic professor, Dr. Louise is recruited by the United States government to communicate with the aliens. With her limited time working with the alien visitors, she begins to experience strange, non-linear visions that slowly change how she understands language, memory, and even time.
While watching the film, I noticed how it is both entertaining and intellectual. It centers on grief, memory, and the acceptance of both happiness and despair in our lives. It teaches us many concepts about time and language. The film even shows concepts like the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which suggests that language shapes how we think. Viewers learn a lot during this movie and experience the non-linear learning with the characters along the way.
How the movie uses audio and visuals also adds a lot to the experience of the movie. The lighting is often dark and muted, and the setting feels very quiet and mysterious throughout, which creates a serious and emotional tone. You may think at some points you are about to get jump scared. The sounds of the Heptapods are very deep and almost scary that makes every scene feel important. The circular symbols of their language stand out visually and connect back to the idea of time being continuous, just like a circle. The non-linear structure of the film mirrors Louise’s shifting perception of time, allowing the viewers to gradually experience the same realizations as she does. This connection between language and perception is a key concept along with a scientific concept in “Arrival.”
Beyond the intellectual ideas, “Arrival” is a story about grief, love, and acceptance. It asks a very difficult question: if you knew the joys and pains of your future, would you still choose to experience them? The film forces you to realize that life’s meaning comes not from avoiding pain, but from embracing the entirety of our experiences.
In the end, “Arrival” is more than just a science fiction movie but a thoughtful and emotional journey of what it means to be a human. I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys films that challenge one’s mind while also connecting on a deeply emotional level. It is not always easy to follow, but like a circle, every part connects, forming something complete and meaningful.
