The Arrival

 

The opening shot starts far away from the woman, pushing in closer as she shares her thoughts and we start to understand her situation. The colour grading is cold and dim, reflecting her feelings about her pregnancy. 

Throughout the film, we see extras come and go in the background, which influences the woman's train of thought. For example, in this shot an old woman stands up to get some coffee which makes the woman think about how much time she has left to have a baby.

As well as the extras, the film also uses sound to connect the woman's thoughts together. In this part, we hear the door open and a child's voice. Upon seeing the child, the woman freezes, which hints to the viewer that the may be going through a change of mind.

At this point in the film, the lights go dim, isolating the woman with her own thoughts. We hear a train pass by, and see its lights through the window, a metaphor suggesting that the woman is going on a journey.

When the lights get brighter again, the colour grading changes to become warmer as she starts to contemplate her future baby, solidifying the idea that she is going to keep it.

At the end of the film, the woman asks for decaf coffee, a callback to the beginning where she ordered caffeinated coffee. This change in opinion reflects the fact that she is deciding to be more careful about what she eats and drinks, as she has decided to keep the baby.