Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great, deeply thoughtful, compassionate sci-fi tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Arrival
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 46 parent reviews
Parents say this film, while visually stunning and thought-provoking, can be quite intense and complex for younger viewers, often leaving them confused or disturbed, particularly due to themes surrounding loss and illness. The narrative's slower pace and lack of action may not appeal to all children, leading many reviewers to recommend it primarily for older teens and adults who appreciate in-depth storytelling and philosophical explorations.
- age recommendation
- complex narrative
- emotional themes
- visual storytelling
- thought-provoking content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 68 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is complex, thoughtful, and beautifully made, though some find it confusing and slow at the beginning; it requires patience and maturity to fully appreciate. The film explores deep themes of communication, loss, and the importance of peaceful understanding over violence, making it suitable for older kids and adults who are willing to engage with its layered storytelling.
- mind-bending
- thought-provoking
- slow-paced
- mature themes
- complex story
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ARRIVAL, professor of languages Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is headed to work when news of an alien landing spreads. Twelve alien pods are now hovering in different spots all over the world. Before long, she's approached by Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker). He asks for her help in translating the alien language, in hopes of learning the purpose of their visit. Paired with scientist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), Louise ascends into the spaceship and meets the aliens face-to-face. After several trips, she finds she can communicate with them through writing. As the world waits and starts to panic, and talk of war begins, Louise and Ian may have discovered the secret that could save them all -- if it's not too late.
Is It Any Good?
This deeply thoughtful, profoundly compassionate sci-fi movie beautifully mixes realism with a sense of wonder. It keeps its mysteries at bay, and, amazingly, doesn't disappoint when all is revealed. French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario) is becoming one of the best, smartest cinematic storytellers in the world, finding new ways to pull the camera back and observe, taking a little extra time to find emotions, and explore spaces and sounds (a chirping bird is especially poignant). The cinematography by Bradford Young (Selma) is breathtakingly mesmerizing, still and patient, without relying on action or adrenaline.
The long build-up to the meeting of the aliens in Arrival is as wondrous and breathless as anything the movies have conjured up recently. Most films that begin with mysteries eventually give up everything, and invariably too soon, resulting in an anticlimax. But, as written by Eric Heisserer (Lights Out), and based on a short story by Ted Chiang, the puzzles and the thought-provoking solutions in Arrival only enrich the movie's transcendent quality; we're left with satisfying answers, but also fantastic questions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Arrival's violence. What's shown and not shown? How is violence kept in the margins of the movie and used more as a threat or a suggestion? What impact does that havce?
How does Arrival compare with other sci-fi movies about aliens? What other movies in this genre can you think of that focus on peace, rather than war?
Is Louise a role model? How does she demonstrate curiosity and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?
Are the aliens scary? What about them is scariest? How does the movie go about introducing them to us? Would you have been afraid to talk to them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 11, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2017
- Cast : Amy Adams , Jeremy Renner , Forest Whitaker
- Director : Denis Villeneuve
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief strong language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 15, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate