Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Arrival

film

Arrival

2016

Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 themes include an alien-threat crisis, military tension, a bombing, frightening uncertainty, grief over a child’s death, and complex ideas about time and choice. No sexual content is indicated. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Educational value4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Features the emotional weight of a child's terminal illness and death, plus the death of an extraterrestrial entity.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-graphic depiction of an injured alien entity.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Infrequent mild language.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A developing relationship between the two leads is present but secondary to the main plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension, the mystery of the alien presence, and societal panic.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking appears in minor, non-glamorized scenes.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes military standoffs, a bomb explosion, and a character being injured.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows great courage by stepping into the unknown to communicate.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative exploration of language, time, and extraterrestrial interaction.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a strong female lead and global collaboration between diverse nations.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly explores linguistics, translation, scientific inquiry, communication, and cooperation, though it is a narrative drama rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and cross-cultural communication are key to solving the problem.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of peace, the power of communication, and accepting the beauty of life despite its inevitable end.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates patience, intellect, and empathy under pressure.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Arrival would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Arrival, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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