@agomist I just saw it. "Pedestrian"? Wow. Anything but.
@soundsgoodtome Pedestrian as in it's, for the most part, a story we've seen before. It's beautifully shot, fantastically acted and well orchestrated, but the bare bones of the narrative we've seen told many a time before: Who are they? Why are they here? What do they want?
That's not actually a negative criticism though, as the core theme/twist/conceit is actually a very complex idea; as such it makes sense that the framing is familiar territory so it doesn't add extra complication or confusion.
@agomist Thanks for clarifying.
I think it's unfair to call it "a story we've seen before," simply because you have people asking "Who are they?" And "Why are they here?" I mean — you can't have an aliens-invading-earth story without those questions. That's like calling 12 Years A Slave "pedestrian" because it depicts slaveowners beating slaves. That's not what 12 Years is about; and people asking "Why are they here?" isn't what Arrival is about. It's about (and I have to avoid spoilers, here) that "very complex idea" you mentioned and the twist to which it ultimately leads.
Anyway, I think we're largely in agreement. I just found that particular word a curious choice. But your further explanation certainly clarifies your position. :-)
I'm actually attending the premiere tomorrow, so I'll have a chance to dissect it further.
Shout by Matthew Shaw-ThomasBlockedParent2016-10-31T22:39:55Z
A fairly pedestrian tale of first contact wrapped around an idea that is bound to spawn debates, discussions and headaches for years to come.