Directed by Alyssa Rallo Bennett and written by Gary O. Bennett, six individuals cross paths over the course of one afternoon at a sparsely attended Manhattan bar. Each struggling with physical and emotional boundaries being crossed, leading them to question who they are and who they might become. Starring: Peter Bradbury, Nikolas Elrifi, Nick Hamparyan, Alice Heber Martin, Vivian Helvajian, Ines Ladha, Pooya Mohseni and Daniela Urdaneta.
Intersecting the lives of different characters, having each thread overlap and become knotted in one another is a valuable and satisfying form of storytelling when it’s done right and Gary O. Bennett ticks that box. The characters are a great mix of different personalities, each of their journeys have something to add and they blend together well. Although as it begins to reach it end, it can feel as though some threads were underserved, looking for a more even balance between its characters.
The setting was well chosen to be able to have the characters close but still have space. The direction has a simple style, focusing on the dialogue and not unduly trying to inject suspense or tension, letting them come naturally. Although it does rely on a score which feels overtly constructed, it’s trying far too hard and clashing with the visual. It’s similarly falling quite flat in its cinematography, it needs something to sharpen it, missing out on the opportunity to build a more impactful atmosphere.
Vivian Helvajian’sperformance is one of the elements which attempts to inject a bigger energy, she taps into a chaotic, unpredictable and easily triggered feel. Which is then balanced with Nick Hamparyan’s ultra-polite and caring Lincoln. The same could be said of the duos of Daniela Urdaneta and Ines Ladha, and Pooya Mohseni and Alice Heber Martin, they all bring out the better qualities in each other, as well as having entertaining banter and friendships between them. There’s a nice mix of conflict, compassion and vulnerability.
The Arrival is a satisfyingly woven story of crossed paths and a search for answers and resolutions. There are a few threads that feel like they needed more screentime and its final moments veer into typical romance territory. The visual needs a boost, something to kick the atmosphere into holding the sincere tension the story calls out for. However, none of that undermines that it’s a strong drama which does a great job of bringing all its characters together.
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