Many people say that the pen is better then the sword. But are words better than combat? I always believed that there were different types of ways to communicate and protect yourself in a situation that leaves no clues. In a problem that leads to no answer. But what would you do if twelve unidentified flying( well, more like hovering) objects went to specific places around the globe and stayed. Showing no sign of any encouragement of war. What if there was one of them nearby where you currently are? Would you runaway, or would you work up the courage to pick up your things and investigate?

Louise Banks an linguist( played by Amy Adams) along with Ian Donnelly( played by Jeremy Renner) lead a team to investigate the UFO that was nearby. But this was no ordinary expedition. You see the gravitational pull from where they came from is nothing compared to Earth like gravity. You see from the place they came from seemed to have very little gravity, thus forcing the investigators and soldiers to always be in a suit and have an oxygen tank. After finding out the atmosphere is breathable and safe, they constantly go in. Leaving with more answers and questions in hand. The octopus like creatures have there own language. They even have a species name for themselves. Heptapods. The creatures that push peace and discourage war.

The team start to teach the Heptapods our language, coming closer and closer to the answer to the long asked question. “What is your purpose on Earth?” But soon disaster strikes, other countries refuse to give in any more answers and are starting to declare war on the Heptapods. The mysterious creatures are understanding more, while the humans around the world are understanding less and less. Except one women.

I watched this last night with my family, and let me tell you. It is one of the best thriller movies I have seen. The story itself was incredible, and the way the movie was filmed was breathtakingly mysterious and thrilling. The director Denis Villeneuve captured perfectly how a real military team and group of scientists would work in a situation like this. But what was very impressive was that they didn’t add any actual serious action, but brought mystery and drama just by adding very serious and effective dialogue. Scientists and researchers have been asking this question for years and years. And I know that each and every person in our population has asked it as well. What is our purpose?