The sci-fi film 'The Arrival', directed by David Twohy and starring Charlie Sheen, was released in theaters.
Astronomer Louise Banks discovers a mysterious alien signal transmitted from multiple locations on Earth.
The US government assembles a team including linguist Louise Banks and physicist Ian Donnelly to decipher the alien language and understand their intentions.
Louise and Ian arrive at the alien spacecraft site to begin communication with the heptapods.
Louise makes breakthroughs in understanding the heptapod written language, recognizing its non-linear structure.
Countries around the world react with fear and military posturing in response to the alien presence, threatening global conflict.
After learning the alien language, Louise begins to experience temporal non-linearity, perceiving future and past events.
Chinese military prepares to attack its alien spacecraft following fears of invasion.
Using her new understanding of the language and future, Louise contacts Chinese authorities to dissuade them from attacking.
The heptapods reveal their intent: giving humanity their language as a tool to help prevent a future catastrophe, promoting cooperation.
The heptapods leave Earth after completing their mission to share their language and knowledge.
Louise understands her future, including her daughter's life and death, and accepts the consequences of her knowledge.
