Behind the heavy themes, linguistic theories, and rich storytelling elements is an ending that is both hopeful and timeless. In the ending of Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival, Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) stand in awe as they watch the alien creatures vanish into space, leaving behind their “weapon” for Earth to use to save the aliens when they need help in 3,000 years. While they stare into the sky, Louise shares a quiet moment with Ian, asking if he would change anything in his life if he could see his whole life from start to finish. He answers by saying he would say how he felt more often before telling Louise that he was more in awe of her than the aliens. The moment is tender as more glimpses from a distant future play out between their conversation. This is typically when it dawns on the viewer that we’ve already watched their story play out. In fact, we’ve watched their marriage, their daughter’s birth, and the end marked by the death-to-come before Ian even knows that he is in love with Louise. Read More...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 15 July, 2021