It seems like once a year cinemagoers get a 'smart' science-fiction movie that isn't aimed at merchandising or starting a franchise: Gravity, Interstellar, The Martian, and now Arrival. But does Denis Villeneuve's first foray into sci-fi match up to those beloved Oscar-nominated blockbusters? Or are the film's flaws obscured by a great Amy Adams performance and an outstanding Jóhann Jóhannsson score? And should we—as fans of well-made big-budget endeavors—excuse said flaws and just root for more ambitious, interesting movies to get made, regardless of overall quality?

Thanksgiving is a time for family and togetherness; it's also a great time to sneak in a movie. So let the turkey cook (or put down those leftovers) and learn how to to speak Heptapod with Andrew and Steve on the latest episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast!

Theme music for this podcast is a sample of “The Outer Banks of Love” by Bruce H. McCosar, provided through Creative Commons. Don’t forget to subscribe to the In Reel Deep Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher!