Netflix is now streaming mind-bending sci-fi movie that's divided critics and fans

EntertainmentStreamingNetflix is now streaming mind-bending sci-fi movie that’s divided critics and fansArrival… arrives on NetflixWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Arrival… arrives on Netflix

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Arrival movie

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

I’ll talk about the brilliant movie landing onNetflixon September 1st (in the US, it’s already onNetflixin the UK) in a second but let’s first ask, why has Amy Adams never won an Oscar? With no less than six nominations, she is still yet to be a winner. An injustice. It should in fact be seven nominations after her performance in 2016’sArrivalwhich is… arriving on one ofthe best streaming servicesnext month.

If you like your sci-fi movies likeIndependence DayorArmageddonthenArrivalis probably not going to be what you’re hoping for. There is some action, but this is more of a thinker than a “pew-pew aliens bad” narrative, and all the better for it. We’re not focused on marines or space pilots. Instead, our heroes are a linguistics expert and a physicist (Jeremy Renner, reunited with Adams from the brilliantAmerican Hustle) armed not with rifles but whiteboards. Stick with me.

The central premise of the movie is all about first contact. With the discovery of a dozen alien ships appearing all over Earth and their motives unknown, communication becomes our key tool. Cue a few introductory scenes that remind me of a tenser version ofE.T.learning Elliot’s name. Of course, much likeE.T.geopolitics and itchy trigger fingers will always get in the way.

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Arrival

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Streaming fans are being spoiled at the moment when it comes to sci-fi with Netflix’s recent original scoring a justified100% on Rotten Tomatoesand another flick landing onDisney Plusearlier this month.

Today’s best Netflix dealsNetflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix

Today’s best Netflix deals

Netflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflixNetflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix

Netflix - Standard with ads$6.99/mthViewatNetflix

Netflix

Netflix - Standard with ads

$6.99/mthView

$6.99/mth

/mth

atNetflix

Netflix - Standard$15.49/mthViewatNetflix

Netflix

Netflix - Standard

$15.49/mthView

$15.49/mth

/mth

atNetflix

Netflix - Premium$22.99/mthViewatNetflix

Netflix

Netflix - Premium

$22.99/mthView

$22.99/mth

/mth

atNetflix

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

TOPICSnetflix

TOPICS

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

Kinda Pregnant on Netflix

Amy Schumer’s Netflix comedy will leave your jaw on the floorOne big taboo gets busted in Kinda Pregnant

One big taboo gets busted in Kinda Pregnant

With Love, Meghan on Netflix

Is this the most insufferable Netflix trailer of all time?Meghan Markle has a show coming

Meghan Markle has a show coming

Cassandra on Netflix

Netflix’s sci-fi horror series looks astonishing in full trailerCassandra looks like a slow-burn horror

Cassandra looks like a slow-burn horror

Zero Day on Netflix

Two-time Oscar-winner stars in Netflix’s new thriller seriesZero Day brings Robert De Niro back to Netflix

Zero Day brings Robert De Niro back to Netflix

It Follows

3 obscure horror movies to stream on Netflix and Disney+Fancy a fright tonight? Here are our three horror flick picks you might not have thought of before

Fancy a fright tonight? Here are our three horror flick picks you might not have thought of before

Cobra Kai S6 P3

One of Netflix’s most beloved series finally confirms when it will endCobra Kai’s final part gets a date

Cobra Kai’s final part gets a date

American Primeval on Netflix

Netflix’s huge new Western series gets a super-bloody trailerAmerican Primeval looks superb but violent

American Primeval looks superb but violent

Phantom Thread

One of my favourite movies ever leaves Netflix this monthPhantom Thread is a masterpiece

Phantom Thread is a masterpiece

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox