A specialist in languages, Louise, portrayed by Amy Adams, is brought into service by the American military. She joins a group of international scientists attempting to establish contact with twelve spacecraft that have appeared worldwide. Upon joining the team, she meets Donnelly, played by Jeremy Renner, and they collaborate on devising methods for communicating with Abbott and Costello—the aliens themselves, who also seem interested in conversation. However, establishing shared understanding proves exceptionally difficult. As their efforts progress through creative means, glimpses into Louise’s past emerge, suggesting her interactions with the extraterrestrials are intensifying her perceptions and sparking her creativity. With tensions rising within the international coalition and military forces eager for action, it is up to this pair to prevent a crisis. The film shares similarities with the original "Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), as it thoughtfully explores the concept of alien life without relying solely on elaborate special effects. In fact, the visual design of these effects works well to show how developing connections requires both imagination and perseverance—and there are details for viewers to notice. Adams delivers a superb performance, Renner provides strong support as her counterpart, and Forest Whitaker plays the military officer who isn’t quick to resort to force ("Col. Weber"). This is primarily a science fiction thriller intended for audiences who appreciate intellectual stimulation, keeping viewers in suspense regarding everyone's intentions until the very end. The beginning feels somewhat deliberate, but it leaves you hoping that if extraterrestrials ever do arrive, they will be greeted with something like this rather than weapons and aggression.

Source on TMDB