Some films challenge the way we think about the world I didn't know what to expect when I first saw it (I didn't even watch the trailer) But I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it Years later, I have come to appreciate this masterpiece more and am glad that it is being given another chance to shine on free streaming services

Notably, “Arrival” is not just another alien encounter film Instead, it focuses on more emotional themes such as time and the power of choice, all of which are shocking and incredibly atmospheric This sci-fi drama intertwines personal and global interests and explores how understanding an alien language can alter our perception of reality and provide insight into the future

If you haven't seen this emotionally powerful film yet, here's why “Arrival” is a must-see on the best free streaming services

“Arrival” is a science fiction drama about Dr Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a brilliant linguist who joins the US military to communicate with aliens who have mysteriously landed in 12 different locations around the world

As the nations of the world scramble to understand whether extraterrestrials are friend or foe, Louise is tasked with deciphering their language in order to prevent a global catastrophe

What begins as a typical first contact scenario quickly evolves into a deeply philosophical tale Louise begins to experience reality in a whole new way, delving into the aliens' complex language system while revealing shocking truths about time, memory, and destiny Her journey raises important questions about free will, the nature of communication, and the emotional weight of the choices we make

Most of my spare time is spent watching movies, being entertained, and then forgetting about it a few days later That's what the world of entertainment is all about However, there is one movie that left quite an impact on me when I first experienced it, and that is, of course, Arrival

It wouldn't be wrong to assume that anything related to science fiction is bound to involve fighting giant aliens and explosive action scenes However, that is not the case with “Arrival It manages to balance the epic scale of first contact between humans and aliens with a deeply personal and intimate story of love, loss, and choice It's a slow burn, to be sure, but every second is worth it

Most of my love for the film lies in its two central characters, Louise and Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) They both come across as real people who react as realistically as possible What I like about Louise's character is that she is not the typical, rigid protagonist that one might expect in a first contact scenario She is vulnerable and driven by both professional curiosity and personal grief

Ian, on the other hand, is a physicist and represents the other half of the film's intellectual pair While Louise approaches the alien encounter from an emotional perspective, Ian embodies the scientific and analytical side Ian's character provides the foundation for the story and a more rational lens through which the audience can experience the unfolding (and haunting) events His relationship with Louise is also subtle and not typically portrayed as romantic It makes them feel like real people

I don't want to spoil too much about the story itself, but just know that “Arrival” is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, emotional, and intelligent films I have ever seen The magic of the story lies in how it intertwines the process of learning to communicate with the aliens while gradually revealing Louise's heartbreaking backstory

Each new insight into the aliens' complex symbolism brings back memories of Louise's daughter These glimpses into her personal life seem disjointed at first, but as the story progresses, their true nature becomes shockingly clear Of course, “Arrival” is more than just a character study; it is full of twists and turns that will keep anyone hooked Just when you think you have a grasp of what is going on, the rug is pulled out from under your feet in a way that, in hindsight, makes perfect sense

With a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and critics calling it “intelligent science fiction” and “stunningly beautiful,” I'm not alone in thinking “Arrival” is a masterpiece 89th Academy Awards back in 2017, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay It was nominated in eight categories and won for Best Sound Editing

If you like science fiction, deeply emotional storytelling, and movies that will make you think for days, “Arrival” is a must-see this month It is a masterpiece of both visual and narrative beauty, uniquely depicting the first contact between humans and extraterrestrials, while incorporating a deeply personal story about love and loss What's more, with surprising twists and powerful performances, this is a film that gets better the more you rewatch it

You can now stream “Arrival” for free on Amazon Freevee No subscription fee is required (it really is) The streaming platform will only be available until October 31, so don't delay It's a great opportunity to dive into one of the most acclaimed sci-fi dramas of recent years

More Check out some of the most thrilling sci-fi films to come to Prime Video recently Also see our guide to the best movies on Amazon Prime Video in October

Stream “Arrival” on Amazon Freevee now