7.2
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The Arrival
2017·Movie
The Arrival fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Scare6
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Melancholy6
- Wonder5
Humor
Some absurdist humor and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor6
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Family, the mind, and fantasy
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout characters
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Arrival is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome absurdist humor and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some absurdist humor and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumFamily, the mind, and fantasy
Its world is built around family, the mind, and fantasy. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Mommy!
A little boy feels betrayed when his mother has another son and decides to give her a taste of her own medicine -- by summoning another mother.
Psychological HorrorDark FantasyFamily DramaUnsettling AtmosphereSurreal NarrativeChildhood BetrayalUncannyIntriguing MysteryMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Arrival
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Arrival worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 7.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Arrival rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Arrival?
0 h 17 min
The Arrival runs 0 h 17 min.
What language is The Arrival in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Arrival use?
Chekhov's GunAlliterative NameChicken WalkerNon-Indicative NameHarmless FreezingStarfish LanguagePre-Mortem One-LinerLarge HamXanatos Speed ChessNotice ThisNo OSHA ComplianceFree-Range Childrenand 21 more
TV Tropes lists 33 storytelling tropes for The Arrival, including Chekhov's Gun, Alliterative Name, Chicken Walker.