Arrival is one of my favorite sci-fi films in recent years and in this video I explore some of its deeper, thematic ideas and metaphors. It builds on some of the science I discussed in my Interstellar video, so I recommend checking that one out too. What did you think about Arrival? Is it too early to place it among the sci-fi greats? Also, let me know if you have any ideas for a future video, would love to hear your suggestions!

This. Exactly this. This is what is great about this film. I saw this film with my wife, not too long before our thirteen year old, autistic, child unexpectedly died. One of the most powerful thoughts that helped me deal with the unimaginable horror of the experience is the message that Arrival conveys. If I had known, before my son was born, that this would happen, the pain I and my family would suffer in consequence, and the loss of such a young life would come about, would I still have chosen to have him? Knowing how difficult every day was, for him and everyone else, from birth to death? Yes. Every day of his life was worth it. I could not imagine not having known him. All the wonderful and all the terrible things about him. It would be unfair, for a loving parent who knows their child so well, to decide that this life was not worth living, that this child was not worth knowing. To fear his death would imply to fear his life. To love your child is to celebrate its life. Several commenters have admitted to crying by the end of this video, or at the end of the movie. I hope that for none of them, it is as personal as it is for me. And I wish that everyone here, and everyone who is scared of starting a family out of fear of what might happen, may shed their fear with the help of this book and film's wonderful message. Love life.

"A man often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it"

Overwhelming... "Because in our minds, if we don't engage life, we don't have to engage Death"

POWERFUL! "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?"

11:05 Max Richter's "On The Nature of Daylight" is one of the most emotional and moving songs ever.

I did undergrad Film Studies and undergrad Philosophy in New York and then here in London. I sometimes overthink and over analyse films and I think I do a pretty good job, but man, what you are is completely on another level. You go beyond the limits of my mind's ability to analyse. You're purely perfection. You literally are a key that when you say things in your videos, turns a lock that opens a door to a new insight that seems so obvious, but previously locked away. You offer knowledge, perspective and overall freedom. You free me from those locked doors. Thank you. Please, keep doing what you're doing. You are amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

"What would I do if I wasn't afraid?" The more I think about that, the more profound the reality behind the words feels.

Your channel has, hands down, one of or if not the best film analysis on youtube. You have a poetic way of expressing your ideas and what the film is trying to convey. You always end with a thought provoking note, a melancholy and sad one, most of the time, but a note of hope. I hope to see more of you in the future, thank you.

"In our minds, if we don't engage life, we don't have to engage death." Man. That hit me hard. How devestating that it simply is not true.

This is what film as an art is all about. It’s not solely entertainment to help you escape from life, rather it can show you new ways to enjoy it. It can teach someone to be a better person and find fulfillment amidst the chaos. LSoO, thank you for the work you do to convey these beautiful ideas to us. You’re a true gem

I just can't believe that this video exist...

*"What would I do if I wasn't afraid?"* Those words hit the mark hard, consciously, and especially subconsciously-as I slowly woke to them at 4 in the morning physically and mentally. I have a feeling that that question is quite likely to stick with me going throughout the rest of my brief life.

i wasnt ready for such a ride. litterally had teares in my eyes at the end of the video. this whole life/death fear is too close to the truth. while watching the movie, i kind of had this idea somewhere in the corner of my mind, but it helps so much if someone accually points it out. Going to read The Denial of Death asap now.

I come back to this video every few months, still plagued with the same anxieties and lack of willingness to embrace life to it's full potential. But now, after spending over a year with this pandemic, I personally feel like this applies now more than ever (for myself at least). Ever since I turned 18 (I'm now 22 next month) and left education, I've been living at my mom's house, in my room, and cut off from the world. I'd sometimes leave the house for a bike ride or a walk, or sit in my garden to watch the ISS pass by or stargaze. But I've never had a job, due to the anxiety of spending decades working a job I hate in a life I despise. I stopped learning to drive because I had several panic attacks and it became traumatic to be behind the wheel. I left school feeling directionless, lost, depressed and confused, while my classmates went down their own paths with their heads held high and with a purpose. I'm still waiting on my purpose. And all this time spent with my thoughts has only made me fear existence, while equally learning the significance and insignificance of life. I became suicidal eventually after 2 years, and I still am sometimes to this day. I've tried therapy, but it didn't click, and I had no motivation to even want to get better. I'm currently trying different antidepressants, none of which have worked yet. But this video, and movie, always makes me aware of what I'm missing. How my fear of the outside world and the harshness of society is also depriving me of all the potential love and beauty that comes with it. I've never known what direction to take, and so I took no direction at all. And so I sit here, increasingly aware of time passing by, still scared to even try living. Plus with this pandemic I've deepened even further into my own bubble. It genuinely feels like torture, knowing that you're wasting your youth but feeling crippled by your mental health to even try and live life. Hell, it's even worse when you don't know what you even WANT from life, and so don't know HOW to live it. I don't know where I'm going with this... but just know that this video has kinda become a monument of time passing by for me. It always leaves me inspired. I wish I could say it motivates me to live my life, but I'm yet to stand on my own two feet. Sorry for this ramble. It's 2am and needed to let this out lol. I appreciate everyone in these comments and *you* for making this art. 💙

"Forever hugging her body pillow..." Same

Dude, how are you so wise!! Excellent work!

I think another thing that Arrival got at (timely release as it was right after the American Presidential election) that hit big with me is that we really need to do a better job communicating with each other.

I think most people mistakenly think that living freely means doing whatever you want and not thinking about consequences that is wrong. Partying all the time and eating junk food is not equal to free life. I believe it concerns broader views, different ideas, open mind, and so on. The video is beyond discussion. Thank you so much

I didn't cry with Arrival but I've cried with this video. That was great! Thank you! :,)

You sir are truly talented. Please keep performing these beautiful analyses.

Like Stories of Old is absolutely undoubtedly one the greatest youtube channels right now. You deserve so much more views. Your videos are extremely well made and your analysis is highly intelligent , philosophically well informed , and deeply moving. I almost always find myself wholeheartedly agreeing with the point you are trying to make . Thank you and keep up the good work

This is my favourite movie, saw dozen of times and your analysis was the most amazing I ever seen. Thank you

You really cast a whole other light on Arrival for me! This video was thought provoking to say the least, really opened up my eyes to life a little more. I've found myself this year slowly starting to live more freely and this video just reassured me to continue trying to live without being afraid of living. I look forward to your next video!

You deserve more than 10k subs. I really hope you channel gets huge.

'Only if you let your regrets guide you in the present.' That's very motivating. A new insight into my procrastination problem.

This concept reminds me of something J.K Rowling said in a speech. Paraphrasing: 'You can't go through life without failing at something unless you live so carefully and so sheltered, in which case you have failed by default'. I often think of that in my life decisions. Yes, I want to be alive; but I also want to live.

This essay and Interstellar's are beyond amazing. Beautiful work again, keep it up. I'd love to see you tackle more films that reconcile time and life - A Ghost Story from this year seems ripe

You have no idea how much of an impact this video has had in my life. I'm forever grateful, thank you.

I'm not even half way through and I'm loving every bit of this. Man, I love questioning my own existence. It's so exciting and frightening. I used to cry myself to sleep as a little kid because I was just so overwhelmed by life and its boundless possibilities as well as its inevitable end. Oh boy, who doesn't love gonig through an existential crisis on the regular.

I love this movie so much, it makes me cry every time. I completely agree with you, and maybe that message is what makes me so emotional towards this movie... I'm so afraid of losing someone that I usually don't risk it and stay away from even meeting new people. Knowing that suffering is a part of life is something that scares us all, and it can be overwhelming. I was crying by the end of this video, very good job.

Oh man, Watching the movie+watching this video= therapy . Many thanks

Thank you for this, no seriously. I loved the movie before this too, but this is just unbelievable. The way you've managed to not just understand but articulate something like this is remarkable. KZfaq is full of crap but if there is anything the world needs today, it is content like this. I wish I had a lot of money so that I could support your work, maybe someday I will. But for now, I'm just going to binge on this channel. Once again, thank you for this and keep it up.

I've only watched 2 of your videos so far, this one and the Interstellar one (they are 2 of my favorite films of all time), and already I'm hooked. I love the way you organize your videos into parts that are easy to understand and flow well together, and that you so easily and clearly get to the heart of what the films are about. This video really gave me a new perspective on this film and life itself. It was also quite an emotional experience watching this video, I don't know how to describe it, but know that it was a good emotional experience coming from someone who's been struggling with her existence. Keep up the good work.

As a father, this movie made me cry. If you are a parent you can understand why she would choose to experience loving her child although knowing how it would end.

...fuck. Glad youtube recommended this video to me because damn this hit me like a ton of bricks. Subscribed.

I think that you just changed my life with a single sentence. I don't know if you are the first person to ever arrange those words into that exact sequence, but nevertheless they formed a figurative key that unlocked something inside of me. What it is, I am not yet sure. "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?" It allows one to both drop all baggage of past regret, and forces one to begin to live the first day of the rest of their lives.

I'm going through a rough patch in my Life right now. Marriage issues. Possible Divorce and my kids having to deal with it. ARRIVAL was the favorite movie of mine in 2016. It's earned a spot on my top 5 movies. I'll remember for a lifetime. That being said. Your analysis of the film. It was superb. I've watched and re watched over again. It helps lift my spirit. I've experienced LIFE and would do it all over again. Now I have a a road ahead of me that I don't know where it leads to. Fear is what would hold me back, even to wake up in the mornings. The final question in your video gave me the answer I needed to move forward. I wish you the best in your Channel and endeavors. You've got a subscriber and devoted fan. Keep it up LSOO.

that was a good one man. I had a similar takeaway and commented it on the nerdwriter vid on arrival (i actually am pretty sure i liked your vid better than his btw for what that's worth). i'll leave it here: My main takeaway from the movie which was honestly pretty mind blowing and powerful to me while I was watching the ending unfold: We aren't so different from Louise. Although she can see the details of the tragedies of her future, without the details we still all know what's coming for us. Namely, Death. Pain and loss and heartache. Yet we choose to live our lives anyway. Despite knowing how it all ends, we still glean meaning from the living itself. I really liked this movie.

Thank you for this break down. Arrival is one of my favorite movies and I use any of the themes when talking to families. I'm a hospice social worker and the biggest thing I talk with families about is their life. A huge concern of family members is "if they did enough" and I ask them what they ultimately would have done. They give me their answers (travel, be honest, more time together) and encourage them that they can do it all now, before their loved one dies. Also, telling someone their loved one has died is a performance act, as the outcome doesn't change and it is expected. Thank you always for your videos

Don't leave many comments on KZfaq videos, but your channel has changed my way of thinking as well as life. I am constant trying to look deeper into the philosophy of movies or any sort of art, but never before have I been able to arrive at such an impactful conclusion as you have with this film. Just wanted to say thanks for this video/channel and I hope you continue to make these amazing video essays.

I just discovered your channel yesterday and got up this morning to be pleasantly surprised to see a video discussing one of my favorite recent films. Keep up the fantastic work.

As a person who has a deep connection to life, and the one I live, there are certain constructs of thought that build the way I think. To see a relatable adaptation of a similarly thought about topic put into tangible evidence (topic = existential thought about the future, past, present, and the life we live) is quite soothing, and reassuring. Not because I feel alone in this life, but it is concepts like this video that are the hardest, and most meta for me to express to another person. This "Fear of Existence" is a new thought to add to my collection, and this work of art is one to add to my library of meaning, and definition. Thank you.

I've NEVER been moved by a KZfaq-video before. I was almost in tears at the end. I'm speechless. Thank you.

I was surprisingly shocked by how wonderful these videos are. Your view on the movie Interstellar or Arrival maybe different than my view, but you still provide an interesting aspect of the films that are aesthetically pleasing. We fear existence, because we are aware of our own mortality. We know one day that we will not exist. "I was unconscious for 13.7 billion years before I was born. And I will be unconscious again after I pass from this existence".

This movie is a great film. I saw this film as also exploring the sanctity of life as Louise chooses to have her child, despite knowing the tragic outcome. How many of us would walk a path which ends in sorrow? Louise definitely changes in her attitude about living and embracing life. This movie made me ponder how all life is sacred and should be lived to its fullest, no matter how short a life might span. Very good movie review!

WOW WOW WOW. Amazing. The depth of your thoughts is incredible.

This essay puts into words the thoughts I had about arrival from the second I finished it's story. It is melancholy, it is beauty, it is tragic, it is resounding, it is inspiring, it is all of these things and it's brilliance lies within that. Thank you so much for making this essay.

Again, you knock it out of the park ! Your channel is becoming my favorite film analysis channel !

You totally nailed it in this video. Continue the hard work!

That's not the only one of the best channels discovered by me in the last time, but also one of the best community around it which I find in the comments.

I'm experiencing a break up right now. I've experienced it before yet I always take the risk to love someone. But after a number of times, I feel more numb than the previous relationships I've had. Despite this numbness, watching your video reminded me that life we always be just that, life. My love for her was strong. That is evident by how depressed I feel presently. Thanks for these insightful videos. Subscribed for sure.

You are doing something truly remarkable. Keep it up!

Damn, I didn't think I could love "Arrival" even more, but your relating the heptapods to life itself was a really powerful metaphor that is sprawling through my mind. Over time, you start to lose interest in most stories, because they only seem to repeat someone else's work. And even though I knew that Arrival really wasn't one of those, my overall jadedness did hold me back from seeing the full splendour of how amazing this movie really is. Thanks, and keep it up!

this channel has changed the way i watch movies

It's also one of my favorites! I really enjoyed this video, you made me realize why I empathized so much with Louise.

Amazing video. I used to think I had decrypt Arrival by reading about and rewatching, and yet you gave me another perspective (just like you did with Interstellar). Thank you sir.

I frickin' love this channel to death... I just found it and after the Interstellar video and this one, I'm happily subscribed and looking forward to more...

I had so much to give to the people around in the past because my own heart is overflowing with beauty, creativity, and love. I indulge myself and feed my own soul everyday with spiritual contents just like this video. You rob me of my inner wealth and my inner rich world of creativity and spirituality, you don't get a "social version" of my introversion. You get a vengeful version of my anger and brutality in this world. I had so much extra money for myself and to be generous with in the past because everything I love in this world is free. When you have that kind of a rich inner world, you tend to be a little hippish, happy, and free.

I think this might be your most meaningful & impactful video yet. I sat in my car and cried - just so many concepts you bring up that hit home so hard, just as the movie did. I hope you know I don't just consider you an analyst - you are a true artist.

This is one of the most, if not the most, powerful and profound video essay I have ever watched. Congratulations, sincerely! Instant fav, instant subscribe. Wow!

“Fear is the mind killer”… wonderful analysis, you triggered more thoughts and reflection than a year of psychotherapy 😊

Suffering is horrible, but it is also humbling. I couldnt imagine being alive without going through so much.

"what would i do if i wasn't afraid?" is something i needed to hear, and have never quite heard. i don't think the question of regret, inaction, existence, has ever been phrased like that to me. as someone who is afraid of so much in this life, but who wants to stop being that way... i will remember to ask myself that.

Stunning explanation. Your commentary is a gift to us all. Thank you.

Thank you. One of the best interpretations of a movie I've ever seen and heard. Thank you.

What a beautiful movie and what a great video. When I saw it first I was left speechless. It got me thinking but never thought in the way this video approaches the movie. Now I want to watch it again. Great video, sr. Thanks for doing this.

I don't fear death, any more than I fear growing hungry. I don't fear life, any more than I fear letting go every breath. The ends of all existence have been glimpsed through the tiniest of apertures by my mind and soul, until the momentary ability to find beauty and joy in even the most typically exquisite and ecstatic of things has become lost. I don't know how to regain my place of unknowing, or unrealization, of imperception, and to again immerse myself in the glory of those moments you speak of. If I'd known this is what would be lost to me when I prayed to be given those realizations and insights, I'd have never spoken that prayer at all.

Damn! Its 5 am and Im crying like a baby....😭😭😭😭

Your analysis made me choke up! Gave me a better appreciation for what was already my favorite movie of the year. Thank-you and great job! Keep it up.

You have an amazing gift. I am so honored to have found your channel. Namesta, dude.

Okay, now I've not only watched Arrival several times, but also your video essay about it. And I cried again. Thank you so much.

I really enjoyed your analysis. I think that Arrival also really communicates a powerful message about the meaning of life in it’s whole as well. This is honestly one of the most pro-life films I have seen that never actually says or shows something like it. Asking “even if their life is cut short/not full/impaired, is it still worth living? And the film resolves with a resounding yes. This is especially in regards to children with birth issues and other problems. I also think that the future/past/present paradigm of experience really shows how much our current worldview has affected so many people. This really is a film that attacks our current world filled with anxiety and fear.

Superb video. An amazing insight into the narrative and themes of Arrival, a film which I love! Excellent essay, you have a subscriber!

Almost perfect, and meaningfully profound. Without fear we would most probably do 'nothing' about many things, for we do much running around gathering resources which we then exchange for items/services for the fear of one thing or another. life would be a lot less hectic without fear. Having said that, it's best as it is in my experience, that a blessed feeling such as 'fear' exists. Even for one attribute, fear is an invaluable innate trait that the fear of consequences stops most people from breaking the law. Even if granted, fearlessness would trigger a sense of irresponsibility and a lack of commitment & control in most people. Human condition might even fall below that of animals! Keeping a check on our fears and consulting with relevant professionals for the ones which are causing any concerns is a safe way forward.

I can't believe you aren't more popular. This is arguably the best movie analysis chanel out there. You have such a beautiful way with words.

This is one of the best videos of KZfaq ever made.

You are my new favorite channel. Absolutely amazing analysis of the film, and makes me want to revisit after watching your video.

“What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?” - anyone feeling as though they are lost at sea, without purpose, should ask themselves this. What a wonderful mantra to live by.

Your analysis is honestly so beautiful along with the way you converse it, it honestly makes me feel like crying.

Genius. I’ve often thought there are two types of people in this world: artists and philosophers; those who create the world and those who analyse it. But you somehow blur the boundary between the two - your vids are almost an artwork in themselves.

Thank you so much!

I absolutely love looking through the comments, seeing how perplexed many of us were when we first watched this video and saw how few views there were. Now half a million views later and almost as many subscribers, I see that "time's arrow" did not hold back this masterpiece of a video essay. This analysis is timeless and everyone who loved Arrival will absolutely love your analysis. Congratulations LSOO!

Wow. I was looking for film analysis videos for Arrival because it's one of my favorite movies and I want to be able to tell stories in such an effective way like that some day. But I was not expecting this video to be as profound and powerful as it is. Actually moved me to tears! This is my first video of yours but I'm already a fan, instant subscribe, can't wait to spend the rest of my night watching all of your videos.

"Fear is the mind-killer." Dune.

Thank you so much for starting this channel. You do what i like to do in my mind, but you do it waaaaaaay better. Would you consider doing an essay on the movie GATTACA from 1997?

Choosing existence over non-existence is indeed worth it. Thank you again for your most uniquely profound SF-film reviews. 🌌

Great final thought, sir. “What would I do, if I wasn’t afraid?”

Really meaningful and thourough analysis. Thank you so much.

Thanks for your analysis and interpretation. Some of my words I would like to add here: Arrival is a great movie, especially since it is so positive in a world of doomsday films. I wrote an article about the movie in which I state that if we assume our universe to be deterministic, there is no paradox which we have to overcome. If Louise can not change her future it is possible that she can remember it which already implies that she accept all parts of her future in its fullness. As you stated, if she refuse anything she will change it and therefore it is no longer part of her future. Since there is no force which prevent her from changing her future it has to be the case that everything she will change, is already changed in her future memories. So in my opinion the ability too see the future will change my future since everything I would avoid will not be part of my future. This change isn't a real change since there is only the life of Louse in which she learns to remember her future. Consequently, the gift of remembering the future might change my life in the comparison of the "same" life without the gift which does not exist. As you also stated, seeing the future might make me a more alive being. Minor mistakes might be in the movie e.g. Louis can not be surprised as the Chinese general gives her his phone number. Since you seem to like the same kind of movies as I do, "Moon" might be a movie to look at. For me it contains the saddest very existential moment which I can imagine. I agree with the comments below that you deserve a bigger audience. At the same time I'm glad that this channel is small and it is not your main job and you are not under the pressure to perform (which might give you the possibility to access your lover ;) and) which might be the reason for this high quality and uniqueness. Good job as always, keep it going!

this is so brilliant. I always felt there was an existential meaning in the film especially the ending, but couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks for interpreting it from existential perspective. Being a loyal and depressing Becker reader, it's refreshing to see his name mentioned here.

Each one of your video essays is an absolute gem; thought provoking, challenging and ultimately stimulating for the enquiring mind. In these times of instant gratification and viral popularity it's so satisfying to find someone who takes his time to really examine his subject matter and doesn't offer easy, pat answers. Thank you.

Great video, as always.

I subscribed instanty after listening to this. Thank you so much.

One absolutely powerful video that not only gives an interesting insight on the movie, but also provides us with a very meaninful message about our lives and how to deal with the everlasting fear that is bound to our existence. This video gave me a lot of hope in the time I really needed it. Thank you so much.

I always get so emotional with your videos. You speak directly to my soul every time.

Amazing. I struggle to explain this ideology tpor philosophy to people or friends, however I know I will just play your video, thank you.

yeah... this felt like the most meaningful thing I watched on KZfaq in a long while. And strangely this random video I stumbled on is exactly what I needed to hear to today. Thank you for the effort sharing this with the world.

Your level of reading and understanding is so... uncommonly qualitative, it's so relieving! Thank you for your amazing work.

You are a gentleman and philosopher!