It’s a concept so simple, one that we as a human race have pondered for centuries. The thought of existing alien races and what would happen upon first contact has been cinematically portrayed plenty of times, almost to the point of it being a movie cliché. But Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi thriller Arrival was a much-needed refresher for the genre.

Villeneuve’s focus on a more realistic first encounter scenario is what sends this movie over the top. He puts more emphasis on how we as a race would actually react to an alien species instead of the usual “aliens have invaded and so we must fight back” mentality that is so often seen in this genre. He gently adds realism with beautiful wide shots that leave you awe struck at the magnitude of the events. Villeneuve manages to keep you on the edge of your seat and your heart intensely beating for the entirety of the movie.

The three big stars, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker, all deliver great performances, but it is truly Adams who shines in her role as Dr. Louise Banks. She has already generated Oscar buzz with her role in another film, Nocturnal Animals, released earlier this year; however, after her performance in Arrival she is a shoe-in nominee for either of the two. Jeremy Renner takes on a much more different role than the familiar bow-wielding Marvel Avenger we have come to know over the past few years. Nonetheless, he does a fine job in this more serious role by fostering a sense of unity between our two main characters.

I can’t remember the last time I left a theater more astounded by the final moments of the movie. It’s one thing to have the entire film come full circle through way of being spoon-fed the connections; but it is an entirely different feeling when a director allows you to map it out for yourself. As the gears begin to turn, you get that resounding “oh” in your head as you begin realize what is really going on. Moments like that are rare on film and become even more special when they leave a powerful message behind.

Arrival is arguably one of the best movies of the year and is a must watch for anybody, not only science fiction fans.