Read Positive User Reviews for Annihilation

8

AgentLviJul 21, 2023

Great movie. The story is decent. The scoring is great, visual is really amazing, the voice & sound is also amazing

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8

CarlElmoreNov 22, 2022

Some absolutely terrifying and insane visuals with a confusing story that's oddly engaging.

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7

AJ_13Sep 27, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THE GOOD: Beautiful to look at, great performances by Portman and Isaac, fascinating concepts and ambiguous ending. More mature and risky than Ex-Machina.

THE BAD: Some poorer characters (it also happened in Ex-Machina) and I don't really know what message or conclusion to retain from this movie. I believe his previous film worked better as a whole.… Expand

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7

joshwashereMay 5, 2022

This movie is dripping with atmosphere. I really enjoyed the slow buildup, the acting, the character effects, and the soundtrack. I found myself keenly focused throughout the film, trying to figure out what was happening. That's the mainThis movie is dripping with atmosphere. I really enjoyed the slow buildup, the acting, the character effects, and the soundtrack. I found myself keenly focused throughout the film, trying to figure out what was happening. That's the main downside to the film - the ending left me with more questions than answers, and even reading online hasn't given me a concrete theory of what happened. I recommend this if you're looking for a slow-burning movie that prioritises atmosphere over plot.… Expand

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10

eva3si0nApr 28, 2022

Annihilation is an example of still making smart fiction in modern cinema. Unfortunately, Annihilation was watched by few viewers, few people know about it and it was not promoted in any way. Annihilation is smart fiction, which isAnnihilation is an example of still making smart fiction in modern cinema. Unfortunately, Annihilation was watched by few viewers, few people know about it and it was not promoted in any way. Annihilation is smart fiction, which is interesting to watch, if not for the modern camera work and the picture of the film, then there would be a feeling that the film was shot in the 60s and 80s. You need to watch this film at least 2 times, after the first viewing you will not receive half of the answers, and most of the items do not pay attention. And most importantly, this is the ending of the film. It is open, but that is how you need to make finals in scientific films. I advise everyone to watch, it is a pity that Annihilation passed by the mass audience.… Expand

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8

DarkwingSchmuckMar 8, 2022

While never reaching the heights of Ex Machina, Alex Garland's follow up to his exceptional directorial debut still manages to be an engaging and thought-provoking work of science fiction in its own right.

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8

geewahJan 6, 2021

This is a beautifully shot, well executed and captivating sci-fi/thriller movie. Alex Garland is making his mark in this genre.

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8

MrQmackDec 28, 2020

I like how the movie explain the story one by one,and the movie is easy to understand

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7

FilmanwaltDec 17, 2020

[Half the point counts.

(I liked Annihilation a lot better than Birdbox. The whole story about the shimmer was simply more interesting and better presented. The whole cast looks wonderful here and gives the film the necessary depth. The[Half the point counts.

(I liked Annihilation a lot better than Birdbox. The whole story about the shimmer was simply more interesting and better presented.

The whole cast looks wonderful here and gives the film the necessary depth.

The scenario is well staged and you really just want to see more of this world.

The end here is much stronger and also more impressive than the 0815 end from Birdbox. The whole thing makes you think and leaves clearly differentiated scope for interpretation.)

.stnuoc tniop eht flah]… Expand

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10

MaxkhoMar 22, 2019

Great film that will leave a long-lasting impression on you, and will sure as hell keep you entertained throughout the duration of the film. The direction of this film is mind-boggling, and some of the scenes will genuinely catch you offGreat film that will leave a long-lasting impression on you, and will sure as hell keep you entertained throughout the duration of the film. The direction of this film is mind-boggling, and some of the scenes will genuinely catch you off guard. It will also leave you scratching your head about the ending, message, and how the world of Annihilation works in general. Annihilation is a masterpiece in a very special way, and a must-watch for every Sci-fi fan.

Only grip with the film: the movie uses some pseudoscientific ideas, and the story is somewhat inconsistent. However, that only fills it with even more mystery and adds to the brilliant mysterious vibe that permeates the world of Annihilation.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

mbeckfordOct 27, 2020

It helps to have an open mind and just let yourself go with the flow of the story ... most plot elements align about half-way through the film. Meanwhile just lean back and enjoy the outstanding visual effects, cinematography and soundIt helps to have an open mind and just let yourself go with the flow of the story ... most plot elements align about half-way through the film. Meanwhile just lean back and enjoy the outstanding visual effects, cinematography and sound design. And it has a few very disturbing/creepy scenes that may be tough for some.… Expand

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7

Morze232Sep 19, 2020

It was a movie that really made life question, progressing in a slow tone, but it will be worth the end.

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8

PanchogulJul 24, 2020

Me gustó mucho el apartado visual y los efectos especiales, las actuaciones estuvieron buenas pero tampoco magníficas, pese a que se disfruta viéndola, la historia en sí se siente un poco floja. Entretenida, más no excepcional.

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8

AtLeastITriedJul 18, 2020

After watching interstellar I realized how mind bending movies can be. I watched this before interstellar and now that I have seen botb i can confirm. Both are a must-watch. Annihilation had amazing cinematography with a good soundtrack.After watching interstellar I realized how mind bending movies can be. I watched this before interstellar and now that I have seen botb i can confirm. Both are a must-watch. Annihilation had amazing cinematography with a good soundtrack. Great for those whole love sci-fi thrillers.… Expand

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9

LordOMOApr 4, 2020

Annihilation is a very fascinating SciFi movie and something I would reccomend to everyone with an interest in cosmic horror.
I think something that will rub people the wrong way is that there is a huge plot hole early on in the movie inAnnihilation is a very fascinating SciFi movie and something I would reccomend to everyone with an interest in cosmic horror.
I think something that will rub people the wrong way is that there is a huge plot hole early on in the movie in order to get the story going. But if you can look past that and have an interest in thoughtful SciFi movies you will be very pleased with the themes presented in this movie as well as the audiovisual experience it provides. Following the group of characters decent further and further into the unknown was both fascinating and thrilling.… Expand

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9

DiptanshuApr 1, 2020

Beautiful and calm!awesome screenplay,score,story and acting it kept me engaging and made me feel whats behind this everything and ending was awesome as hell!A great movie!

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8

PalpetineSheevMar 20, 2020

What a delightfully bizarre nightmare of a film this was. That ending. Man, that ending.

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8

LegitSaltFeb 25, 2020

The only way this film doesn’t improve upon the previous entry in Garland’s oeuvre is regarding existentialism – if Ex Machina leaves the viewer questioning theirs and others’ identities, Annihilation leaves the viewer stunned, in surrealistThe only way this film doesn’t improve upon the previous entry in Garland’s oeuvre is regarding existentialism – if Ex Machina leaves the viewer questioning theirs and others’ identities, Annihilation leaves the viewer stunned, in surrealist horror and beauty. Where this film excels is its presentation of the unknown, its worldbuilding. Annihilation presents its characters and audience with an unknown world, a scary world, and despite it being a world of secrets, we are let into it alongside Lena (Natalie Portman). The visuals of the movie are very Lovecraftian and, in all but two or three scenes, they were incredibly well done and surreally real. The characters were well developed and cast. Despite lesser screen time, they all felt true to their scenarios and personalities. Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina) returns in his second Alex Garland film, and, while he plays a smaller role this time, his performance and character are still pivotal to the film’s success. The film develops almost an air of McCarthyism to it, characters come to fear unknown creatures, secrets, entities, and forces. The most stunning element of the film is the cinematography. “The Shimmer” provides some of the most alien and vibrant structures, flora, and fauna. Overall, this film merges some of the best elements of sci-fi, horror, and Lovecraftian fiction to create a truly unique piece.… Expand

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9

jared1209Feb 5, 2020

Brilliant film that is thought provoking with refreshingly original ideas and terrific use of scifi tropes. Maybe this experience should be endured sober otherwise you may have no idea whats going on.

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8

ClancyBrownNov 19, 2019

Dark and thought provoking. The Screen play is co written by the author of the book in which the movie is loosely based on. The movie inspired me to read the book which is vastly better. Not saying this a bad movie, but the book conveyed muchDark and thought provoking. The Screen play is co written by the author of the book in which the movie is loosely based on. The movie inspired me to read the book which is vastly better. Not saying this a bad movie, but the book conveyed much deeper haunting thoughts and brought my imagination to life with fascinating mental images.The movie well acted with images and soundtrack. That works to make a mysterious atmosphere and story worth watching.… Expand

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9

thefakepierreNov 12, 2019

A great omage to Lovecraft!!! It's just the CGI in some parts that is kinda off. Really love the cinematography and sound.

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8

greenisgoodNov 12, 2018

TL;DR Another case of misleading trailers contributing to negative reviews as well as another case of 'WTF Was That ?' just like John Carpenters The Thing which was similarly snubbed for being stupid and gory with no explanations, it is aTL;DR Another case of misleading trailers contributing to negative reviews as well as another case of 'WTF Was That ?' just like John Carpenters The Thing which was similarly snubbed for being stupid and gory with no explanations, it is a whole different case now and similarly I think this movie will gain a cult status.

Also I completely understand the negative reviews since even I went into the movie expecting just another Action Sci-Fi FX fest with over-exposition of plot points which propel the killing of human imagination. Personally I enjoyed it every time someone in the movie said "I Don't Know". It is amazing to let you own imagination interpret what is happening.

The acting is solid all around, the atmosphere was enjoyably scary, the all female Team not acting like unnecessary SJW Champions (aka Ghostbusters 2016) was refreshing.
The CGI was not the most excellent at all times but will fill you with dread when needed and get you confused and horrified, the music was also a big part in the overall experience.

Though it is quite a slow burn I encourage everyone to keep aside any expectations of a conventional action sci-fi and just watch this movie with an open mind and let your imagination wander.… Expand

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8

ajzeg01Sep 21, 2019

This movie was awesome! It was written for the screen (it’s based on a book) and directed by Alex Garland, who also wrote 28 Days Later and wrote/directed Ex Machina, one of my personal favourite sci-fi films! Annihilation is very much in theThis movie was awesome! It was written for the screen (it’s based on a book) and directed by Alex Garland, who also wrote 28 Days Later and wrote/directed Ex Machina, one of my personal favourite sci-fi films! Annihilation is very much in the same vein as Ex Machina, it is a thinking person's artsy sci-fi film (with horror elements). That genre does not appeal to everyone, but if you like sci-fi like Arrival, Blade Runner, Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, THX 1138 or, of course, Ex Machina, you will probably get a kick out of it! I actually don’t know how much detail I want to go into about this movie, I went in completely blind and was very pleasantly surprised! It only had a short theatrical run before being dumped on Netflix so I never saw any trailers or any promotional material. I had never even heard of it until recently, so I recommend that you just watch it without knowing anything about it. You’ll be glad you did! It’s a hidden gem! Also, it has an all-female main cast, if you care about that sort of thing.… Expand

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9

CrispyboiMar 26, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is pretty mind boggling in my opinion, so this is just my take on it..I found myself contemplating and discussing this film for hours after with friends and or myself. A movie where existentialism and introspection are both prevalent and well intertwined throughout the entire film. Lena and her team, all women scarred by traumas in their life embark on a search, seeking answers for something greater (the shimmer). However as they delve deeper, each character has their moments of reflective insight in which they realise they need to look inward to find answers or in some cases a route of pure self destruction, which is another theme that it really lends itself to. Specifically when Lena reaches the lighthouse, where she is mirrored identically by this altered version of herself, it is an initial terrifying struggle for both Lena and the viewer, as it really encapsulates the feeling of constriction as when she moves, it moves with her. If she fights it fights back, if she runs it runs. It’s like a beautiful dance of unease and torment, that is until she realised that all she has to do is accept and come to terms with this version of herself, it’s only then when she can escape. This is all showcased through the trippy cinematography and deep colour pallet that engulfs the environment the film is set in. The juxtaposition of breathtaking colour and art, and the dreary undertone of the unknown & the ever-changing refraction of DNA leaves the viewer with a genuine unique and memorable visual journey, regardless of what you can take from the films multi faceted and interpretational meanings (anything goes, really.. I've read theories that this film is just basically an allusion to cancer). Also Let us not forget that this film at its core is reminiscent of a cerebral sci-fi film with a twang of absurdist horror, for example the scene with the bear and it’s roar mixed with the harrowing shrieks of pain from shepherds final moment is utterly disturbing and terrifying. One last thing, can we not forget about the score. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, bravo my dudes. The pure unease and tension of the build up of abstract, environmental noises with harrowing synths and bellowing surges of sub-bass to keep you planted on your seat. Just brilliant music imo.… Expand

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8

TheMadHareMar 29, 2019

Ex-Machina was better, but I enjoy the films this director and writer makes. I never felt so uneasy in a film, but I found it nice to feel that during the movie. I thought it was pretty well balanced between being an art film and and actionEx-Machina was better, but I enjoy the films this director and writer makes. I never felt so uneasy in a film, but I found it nice to feel that during the movie. I thought it was pretty well balanced between being an art film and and action film. 8.4/10… Expand

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9

CoKronakanMar 20, 2019

This movie was filled with jaw-dropping visuals, directing and cinematography style with amazingly shot scenes, complex mind boggling plot and great acting. It is nothing less of an amazing movie that gives you a lot to think of. TheThis movie was filled with jaw-dropping visuals, directing and cinematography style with amazingly shot scenes, complex mind boggling plot and great acting. It is nothing less of an amazing movie that gives you a lot to think of. The attention to detail in the scenes is amazing. The script however simple it is it has the contents of much more, but it is up to the audience to figure it out. The music in the scenes is amazing and most importantly original and helps the immersion and the action of the characters. Simply put this movie is to complex for everyone to understand, but non the less it is pleasing for the eye, fun to watch and it keeps the tension going through out the movie with new mysteries and threats. Also this film can be entertaining for everyone, even for those who don't get the message of the movie at the end due to it's complex nature. Overall this is an amazing movie that is almost close to a legendary 10/10 if not for it's minor misplaced elements and events that felt pushed in the story, and minor biology plot-wholes.… Expand

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7

annbdJan 16, 2019

The 'I don't know' movie shows how stupid looking are the too many 'I don't know-s' answers. Visually stunning, great effects, nice to watch. It's not waste of time, because you see the potential - there is a big one. You can see how theThe 'I don't know' movie shows how stupid looking are the too many 'I don't know-s' answers. Visually stunning, great effects, nice to watch. It's not waste of time, because you see the potential - there is a big one. You can see how the imagination of the story teller has grown in the first 45 minutes and then suddenly stopped - literately you can see the end of this imagination.I hope this movie has remake, it would be very interesting Sci-Fi to watch, but now it is not finished.… Expand

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7

AMFcriticNov 1, 2018

If I had to define it in one word it would be: CRAZY.
The special effects are not exactly perfect, but they're fine.
What bothers, is that the director puts in the background interesting characters and great performances as Tessa Thompson toIf I had to define it in one word it would be: CRAZY.
The special effects are not exactly perfect, but they're fine.
What bothers, is that the director puts in the background interesting characters and great performances as Tessa Thompson to focus all attention on Natalie Portman. 7.2 / 10… Expand

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7

TheQuietGamerOct 28, 2018

Alex Garland manages to create something that's deep, but not cryptic. Everything it deals with thematically is laid out in front of you through the conversations the characters have. There are still moments that require thought on theAlex Garland manages to create something that's deep, but not cryptic. Everything it deals with thematically is laid out in front of you through the conversations the characters have. There are still moments that require thought on the viewer's part, such as the symbolism heavy final showdown, but it's nice to see a sci-fi movie that strives to be intelligent without being vague. At least in regards as to what it all is supposed to mean.

The science side of it is where you're forced to draw your own conclusions. The film gives only the most basic of explanations as to what is causing all of the weird mutations found in the ever-growing "Shimmer" the cast explores. It's up to us to piece together why it's affecting things in the way that it is. I'm no cellular-biologist, but I think the reason Garland didn't go deeper on this front is because he knew there was no reasoning he could give for the things happening onscreen that would have any basis in reality. It's a pretty out there concept, but given how significant all the DNA talk in the movie seems to be it's a little odd that the whole premise would exist solely on McGuffin thought up to be little more than a take it at face value excuse for all the gorgeous weirdness onscreen.

While this leaves me with some mixed feelings, it does exemplify one of the movie's best traits; for something striving to be so thought-provoking, it's remarkably unpretentious. If anything it enjoys indulging in the gory, B-movie thrills that come from being a body horror that's part creature feature. One of the best in quite some time in terms of grotesqueness and tension. It has what might be the best jump scare I've ever seen and the entire lighthouse segment is nothing short of horrifying.

The visuals are mostly gorgeous. Light and bright colors are used to show off the natural and unnatural beauty of the strange new environment while simultaneously reminding us about the danger hidden inside it by capitalizing on the scenery's alien qualities. The weaker moments of CGI and a few noticeable green screens can make this feel somewhat low-budget at times. Nothing that really gets in the way of the movie, but something that stands out nonetheless. The soundtrack on the other hand is outstanding across the board.

Aside from dealing with the typical subject matter associated with the body horror, Annihilation is about depression, regret, self-destruction, and how much mental stress a person can endure before their minds break. It's all told in a very human way thanks to it's damaged protagonists, but the overall film isn't as engaging as it could have been. Mostly due to the pacing and manner in which the story is told. Especially in comparison to Garland's directorial debut, Ex Machina. I was never bored, but there are some unexciting stretches in the 2 hour running time.

While I don't think it was too complex for the average moviegoer, I can see why Paramount chose to avoid a full international wide-release. The fact that it's still brainier than your average movie made it too challenging for success in the superhero age of cinema. While having it's flaws, it offers enough traditional stimulation to keep one's attention. Another valiant effort by Garland to do something different in a time where that sort of courage is becoming less and less profitable.

7.4/10… Expand

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8

dashtagOct 14, 2018

Really weird. Lots of the movie was very disturbing and shocking, as well as awesome for its originality. The story is that this bubble called the "Shimmer" appears, surrounding this lighthouse, a woman named Lena is the main character. HerReally weird. Lots of the movie was very disturbing and shocking, as well as awesome for its originality. The story is that this bubble called the "Shimmer" appears, surrounding this lighthouse, a woman named Lena is the main character. Her husband returns from a mission of exploring the shimmer and is the only one to survive, though he seems off and sick, so she decides to investigate where he went for his mission. Turns out where she goes is nothing like she's ever seen before, normal animals mutated with something not on this planet makes them really horrifying. She discovers the truth of the shimmer and what it's plan is, which really is an adventure. Movie was really great and had some great sci-fi aspects to it. Not many problems here except for the weird jumps between great action and awkward dialogue.… Expand

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7

Dragonfly44Oct 11, 2018

It’s crazy. Mostly in a good way. Sometimes in a bad way. But, mostly in a good way. Mostly. Ish

Rating - 68%

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7

sjwilkinOct 4, 2018

I had no idea what to expect here as I went into the movie blind. What I got was a surprisingly tense thriller, drenched in sci-fi and some horror. It's fairly slow and theres not an awful lot going on but it manages to keep the tension andI had no idea what to expect here as I went into the movie blind. What I got was a surprisingly tense thriller, drenched in sci-fi and some horror. It's fairly slow and theres not an awful lot going on but it manages to keep the tension and kept me guessing what was going on. Some top performances from just about everyone involved helps the movie feel genuine.… Expand

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7

ozymandias79Sep 16, 2018

Annihilation is a slow-burn scifi thriller that takes place essentially in an alien world right here on Earth. The effects are great and the body horror and gore are awesome. This film should have appealed to the broad audiences of scifi andAnnihilation is a slow-burn scifi thriller that takes place essentially in an alien world right here on Earth. The effects are great and the body horror and gore are awesome. This film should have appealed to the broad audiences of scifi and horror movie aficionados, but Annihilation was only released outside the US on Netflix (awesome if you have Netflix and don't live in the States, and thanks for the 4K HDR). Not sure why SJWs weren't all over this. Probably because its good and not in your face with "look at us, we're all women, hell one of us is a lesbian!" Anyway, its certainly worth watching.… Expand

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9

HealingToolboxAug 25, 2018

More Arrival, director's last film, than Star Wars. As noted by many critics an unusual blending, heightening of the genre monster movie and and exploration into our own unconscious. I think better than Arrival as the third act pays offMore Arrival, director's last film, than Star Wars. As noted by many critics an unusual blending, heightening of the genre monster movie and and exploration into our own unconscious. I think better than Arrival as the third act pays off better than the first two strong acts of Arrival. A story for writers and explorers, not action junkies.… Expand

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7

ViolettJul 15, 2018

Pretty nice if you ask me. I like this kind of "Stalker"-movies, games or books. But while idea is great, this movie looks so ... unreal? I cant believe in Lena-Isaac story, I cant believe nervous girls were successful where soldiers failed,Pretty nice if you ask me. I like this kind of "Stalker"-movies, games or books. But while idea is great, this movie looks so ... unreal? I cant believe in Lena-Isaac story, I cant believe nervous girls were successful where soldiers failed, I cant believe they just walked without any special equipment (at least they had one binoculars with night vision). One of my favorite books is Roadside Picnic - about alien Zone on Earth - in this book everything looks so real, even if it just a book, there are no plot holes, compared to Annihilation. Still, if you like such kind of genre I can recommend to watch this - once.… Expand

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10

norseJun 27, 2018

Oh wow - I had heard not so great things about the movie and was blown away how extremely well it dealt with a difficult subject matter. The visuals are outstanding but I didn't much care for the score. Actors are top notch throughout and theOh wow - I had heard not so great things about the movie and was blown away how extremely well it dealt with a difficult subject matter. The visuals are outstanding but I didn't much care for the score. Actors are top notch throughout and the story is something entirely new. Congrats to the team and director, extremely worthwhile movie.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

LulzTVJun 20, 2018

This movie was amazing I was left stunned at the first view but at second view its not the same thing. The soundtrack was original and amazing but we can clearly see that Garland is a second time director because he doesnt really know how toThis movie was amazing I was left stunned at the first view but at second view its not the same thing. The soundtrack was original and amazing but we can clearly see that Garland is a second time director because he doesnt really know how to construct a very complicated plot even if he tries. What I really loved was the visual storttelling. This movie doesnt have much dialogue and some images were just eye popping. Another flaw I have with it was Lena's relationship with the black man. It was just there with no reason, it was awkward and it was just popping out in random scenes of the movie which takes it out from a 10/10. Overall I loved this movie because it was ambițios and pretentious. Also I saw someone who gave it a 2 only Because of the soundtrack. Please delete your metacritic account.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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9

AugustKellerJun 4, 2018

Annihilation is a movie so ambitious and fabricated with such detail, it must be celebrated. From its grand themes to its petrifying atmosphere, Annihilation is an illumination that takes its audience to parts unknown. The literal,Annihilation is a movie so ambitious and fabricated with such detail, it must be celebrated. From its grand themes to its petrifying atmosphere, Annihilation is an illumination that takes its audience to parts unknown. The literal, psychological and spiritual are seamlessly woven together through elite writing, direction and editing. Like a true sci-fi, this film takes its time to carefully build its characters, environment and subtext while submerging its viewers in visuals that won’t soon be forgotten. Some may question moments of overdone acting or unclear writing but, when dealing with a project this purposeful, those complaints can be excused.

Annihilation truly excels because it’s intention is unwavering. The slow pace, dramatic scoring and detailed effects are all geared towards the common cause of immersing its audience into an alien land, making the bizarre familiar. Not only does this create an electric experience but it also contributes to the overall message of the film. In the end, everything comes together so masterfully that Annihilation is indisputably a triumph. From elite shot selection to unforgettable sound, Annihilation is one of the better movies around this year.

Writing: 9/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 9/10

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/augusts-reviews/annihilation-2018/… Expand

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7

LeehamMay 31, 2018

The book it is based on suffers from a reliance on tension built upon an unreliable narrator - it doesn't work. Here, the film wisely doesn't get bogged down in that and the structure changes help keep the narrative perplexing not because ofThe book it is based on suffers from a reliance on tension built upon an unreliable narrator - it doesn't work. Here, the film wisely doesn't get bogged down in that and the structure changes help keep the narrative perplexing not because of it being incomprehensible but rather because it presents a case of someone trying to understand what is not immediately understandable between the walls of the narrative. Portman truly does elevate all that she touches and here she grounds the film with intelligence and a nuance usually absent from fare such as this. It's not quite in the realm of Arrival but it's worth a look even for its ideas alone.… Expand

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9

aguila9May 30, 2018

I generally cannot stand Natalie Portman. But this movie is simply stunning. It's not only a great story well told, it's a brilliant story told mesmerizingly well. Visually stunning, devoid of heroic pandering and, yes, Portman has shut me upI generally cannot stand Natalie Portman. But this movie is simply stunning. It's not only a great story well told, it's a brilliant story told mesmerizingly well. Visually stunning, devoid of heroic pandering and, yes, Portman has shut me up on this one. That's second time she does that.… Expand

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8

MoishMay 30, 2018

A good sci-fi thriller that keeps you attent of wats happening all the time messes with your mind, and it's a fear adaptation of the book.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

WarladyMay 26, 2018

I just say Natalie Portman,this was a really interesting wierd movie and I liked it alot. I just wanted it to be longer.

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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9

silveradoMay 22, 2018

Masterpiece scifi thriller about the question wheater our personality is a part of our body or trancendent and migrational. Beautiful nature scenery, great acting by Natalie Portman and a story that goes full circle.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

PeterAlexanderMay 18, 2018

Annihilation is filled with tension and is indeed incredibly unsettling yet beautiful to watch. Its mystery is its greatest strength and it capitalises on this until the very end. An end which successfully left me with many questions of intrigue.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

M1N5KMay 9, 2018

Paramount had make a good horror movie. What a surprise. Paramount knows what it's doing. Not extraordinary put absolutely not bad!

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

fantasticasm89May 6, 2018

Annihilation speaks, and I would only muddle the crystalline clarity in a retelling. Brilliant performances and gorgeous effects coalesce a fluid, telling, terrifying conclusion. In many ways, this film is a test of heart, demanding weAnnihilation speaks, and I would only muddle the crystalline clarity in a retelling. Brilliant performances and gorgeous effects coalesce a fluid, telling, terrifying conclusion. In many ways, this film is a test of heart, demanding we orient ourselves against the universe, certain to be devoured. Deliberate, economic, and visionary, the volatile alien world excites and terrifies on the surface. That’s just the beginning.

I went to post the picture for this review, and I realized that this movie left me so speechless that I almost forgot to mention: the characters are all women scientists. Furthermore, this film takes leave from the typical plot tropes that you would expect to emerge from its premise: people, leaders, the government are all innocent. The dystopia in this film isn’t human-made - it’s all-natural, and this leads to the film’s finest philosophical point: in nature’s eyes, we’re the aberration.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

GrantD243Apr 25, 2018

Annihilation is a sci-fi movie that comes to us from Alex Garland, who is best known for Ex Machina, which was a critical hit back in 2014. And, man, I really liked this movie. Annihilation delivers on everything I hope for in a sci-fi movie.Annihilation is a sci-fi movie that comes to us from Alex Garland, who is best known for Ex Machina, which was a critical hit back in 2014. And, man, I really liked this movie. Annihilation delivers on everything I hope for in a sci-fi movie. There's a lot of mystery, ambiguity, some action, and some philosophical stuff as well. All of the acting is terrific and the visuals are mesmerizing. I will say that there was a point during the movie where I was thinking "Alright, this is either going to go completely off the rails in a bad way or it's going to wrap up nicely," and while I think the last act of the movie is a little rougher around the edges than I was hoping, I was still very satisfied with the ending. I really hope enough people go see this film for Paramount to turn a profit, because sci-fi movies like this are what I want to see more of in the theater.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

akenaton1984Apr 15, 2018

Una mezcla de Lovecraft y Stalker. Una gran obra, indiscutible. No sólo se trata de la auto-destrucción del planeta sino de un análisis de los diversos niveles de auto-destrucción humana. Quizás, sí, algunos efectos pudieron ser mejores; peroUna mezcla de Lovecraft y Stalker. Una gran obra, indiscutible. No sólo se trata de la auto-destrucción del planeta sino de un análisis de los diversos niveles de auto-destrucción humana. Quizás, sí, algunos efectos pudieron ser mejores; pero eso no le resta nada al planteamiento original.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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7

marcmyworksApr 13, 2018

Annihilation is one of those subtle, yet graphic sci-fi horror flicks like Under The Skin. It doesn't really ask for much or even give much. An interesting and beautiful watch, but really nothing spectacular.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

gamedevilbeeApr 11, 2018

สิ่งที่ข้าชอบในหนังคือ...
- การแสดงของแม่นางนาตาลี แม่นางไม่เคยทำให้ข้าผิดหวังเลย ข้าภูมิใจในตัวเจ้ามาก ข้าไม่เสียแรงที่ติดตามเจ้าตั้งแต่ ราชินีหงส์ดำเลยนะขอรับ
- งานภาพและชีจีมันช่างตระการตาพิศวงยิ่งนัก -สิ่งที่ข้าชอบในหนังคือ...
- การแสดงของแม่นางนาตาลี แม่นางไม่เคยทำให้ข้าผิดหวังเลย ข้าภูมิใจในตัวเจ้ามาก ข้าไม่เสียแรงที่ติดตามเจ้าตั้งแต่ ราชินีหงส์ดำเลยนะขอรับ
- งานภาพและชีจีมันช่างตระการตาพิศวงยิ่งนัก - ในด้านเนื้อเรื่องมันช่างล้ำจนต้องกลับไปคิดตาม คนทั่วไปไม่ชอบก็ไม่แปลก เพราะมันล้ำยิ่งนัก
- ส่วนด้านเพลงประกอบของออเจ้า Ben Salisbury และ Geoff Barrow มันช่างไพเราะและตราตรึงยิ่งนัก มันลึกลับน่าค้นหา
- ส่วนชีนระทึกก็มีน้อยแต่น่าจดจำ สยองติดตาข้ามาก
สัตว์ประหลาดก็ช่างพึลึกชะจริง
- องค์ท้ายของเรื่องก็ทำให้สมองข่้าตายไปชั่วขณะเลยขอรับ
ข้อเสีย....
- การเดินเรื่องอาจจะช้าชีนระทึกไม่เยอะมาก และมันน่าจะทำให้ระทึกกว่านี้

สรุป
หนังเรื่องนี้เป็นอีกเรื่องที่ทำให้ข้าเปลี่ยนความคิดกับผู้มาเยือน ที่ไม่ใช่มาเพื่อครองโลก แต่มันมาเพื่อเปลี่ยนบ้างอย่าง
ถ้าออเจ้าอยากรู้และชอบหนังแนวระทึกวิทยาศาสตร์ลึกล้ำลับ ห้ามพลาดเลยนะขอรับ… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

OddomaticApr 11, 2018

Annihilation is a dark, beautiful, and thoughtfully made film. It's conceptually rich and well-acted, with stellar performances delivered by the entirety of the cast, particularly the team of five that the movie focuses on; they all fit theirAnnihilation is a dark, beautiful, and thoughtfully made film. It's conceptually rich and well-acted, with stellar performances delivered by the entirety of the cast, particularly the team of five that the movie focuses on; they all fit their roles quite well. Some might say it's too slow, or the plot's too simple, or accuse the characters of being shallow, but I would argue the contrary. Sometimes a lot can be communicated with fewer words; the lead characters' pasts are implied through concise and fitting dialogue, the pace careful and contemplative, and the plot as complex as it needs to be. The true strength of Annihilation is in the visual and audio experience it provides. Like in the detailed forest park set pieces, unnaturally overgrown with vibrant, almost otherworldly flora. The stillness, the quietness, always humming with the subtle movement of bizarre wildlife. The woods, as beautiful as they are dangerous, won't hesitate to plunge you into an atmosphere of fear and unease. This film contains truly effective horror, the kind that gets a real reaction from me. It had me shifting in my seat, unable to rip my eyes away from the unsettling imagery before me. It's not just frightening, but thought-provoking, giving enough hints for you to get a grasp on what you need to know, but not so much that there is no uncertainty or tension left. Easily one of my new favorite films.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

NEILTON_1962Apr 11, 2018

Ficção científica cativante, dramática, com atrizes nos papéis principais. Boa aceitação no Brasil. Natalie Portman conduzindo bem, a trama.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

mattkerr494Apr 8, 2018

Watched Mar 24, 2018

Matt Kerr’s review published on Letterboxd :
"It's life, Jim, but not as we know it"

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

drlowdonApr 7, 2018

A sci-fi horror film based on the novel of the same name “Annilhilation” follows a group of military scientists who enter "The Shimmer", a mysterious quarantined zone full of mutating landscapes and creatures.

Annihilation has a veryA sci-fi horror film based on the novel of the same name “Annilhilation” follows a group of military scientists who enter "The Shimmer", a mysterious quarantined zone full of mutating landscapes and creatures.

Annihilation has a very interesting central concept and features a host of excellent scenes, one in particular is so creepy it’ll haunt me for the rest of my days, but overall it doesn’t quite all come together in a completely satisfactory way.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

DecTheWallsApr 6, 2018

Beautiful and strange. I can't remember the last time I lost myself so entirely in a film. Everything a good Sci-Fi should be.

Beautiful directing, writing, acting, and cinematography. I really can't find fault with this film.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

MorganOlsonApr 3, 2018

Annihilation is a bold, brave, and “intellectual” film. Intellectual in the sense that if want your films to have clean, straightforward answers, this will not be your movie. The film confidently asks significant, cosmic questions aboutAnnihilation is a bold, brave, and “intellectual” film. Intellectual in the sense that if want your films to have clean, straightforward answers, this will not be your movie. The film confidently asks significant, cosmic questions about identity, creation, and destruction. Annihilation is an existentialist’s wet dream, a prosthetic fanatics’ next obsession, and a horror fan’s unexpected surprise. Natalie Portman gives a grounded performance as Lena, a biologist empowered by her grief and the film’s center star. Oscar Isaac (Kane) is sublime as always, delivering some particularly impactful lines with nuance and mysterious grace. The supporting cast is solid, though unfortunately Jennifer Jason Leigh (Dr. Ventress), Tessa Thompson (Josie Radek), and Tuva Novotny (Cass Sheppard) aren’t given much room for character growth. Gina Rodriguez (Anya Thorensen) gets the most time of the background cast and gives a convincingly twisted, hysterical performance that briefly falters on the merging of deniability and believability. On the subject of faltering, the film briefly stumbles with callbacks to an unnecessary side-plot. While people flocked to Ex Machina (2014), Alex Garland’s previous work, for the characters, one should go to Annihilation for the visuals. This is a gorgeous movie, with wide shots, saturated colors, and imaginative creations (there’s a particularly frightening and haunting animal scene; be warned). Ben Salisbury’s and Geoff Barrow’s score supplements the film perfectly, with acoustic guitars and orchestral pieces moving in and out of an ethereal mix of heavy synth by the final act. Annihilation deserves praise for its ambition alone. Garland’s a stunning, female-led, hard sci-fi movie to in this modern age is a wonder to behold and a joy to watch.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

OmarGarciaMar 28, 2018

The film could’ve benefited from a few tweaks here and there but this is the best sci-fi gilm since Arrival.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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9

alejandro970Mar 25, 2018

Excels the previous Garland opus -Ex machina- with a sci-fi story that reminds and blends witty The invasion of body snatchers and H. P. Lovecraft The colour out of space. A good choice for a weekend evening.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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8

CineAutoctonoMar 24, 2018

"Annihilation" was a film that despite being heavy to watch, so boring and dark, has a good potential to be a great movie. Natalie Portman achieves another good role in her palmarés of actress, she becomes the center of attention of the film"Annihilation" was a film that despite being heavy to watch, so boring and dark, has a good potential to be a great movie. Natalie Portman achieves another good role in her palmarés of actress, she becomes the center of attention of the film and the key to the construction of the film. The photography is very good and the special effects spectacular. The story is very slow and boring, but very constructive and artistic.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

WhiskeyStoriesMar 23, 2018

Annihilation is a film of beautiful contradictions. It's the most boring and most fascinating film I've seen in 2018 so far. The first half is dry as all hell (kind of a chore to get through), but the second half truly makes up for it in itsAnnihilation is a film of beautiful contradictions. It's the most boring and most fascinating film I've seen in 2018 so far. The first half is dry as all hell (kind of a chore to get through), but the second half truly makes up for it in its underlying themes, tension and creativity in f#cked-upness (the bear scene is absoluetly terrifying). The symbolisms are left to your own interpretation, yet some of the clues are extremely on the nose; the writing is sloppy, but genius at the same time etc. - the list goes on and on, but the most important aspect of it is that it leaves a really strong impression. This film will be remembered for years to come that's for sure. Annihilation is not perfect, but it is a damn good piece of hard sci-fi.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

TheRussianatorMar 21, 2018

Directed by Alex Garland, this unique sci-fi thriller is filled with top notch performances from Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh and an amazing finale

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

RoccosRantMar 21, 2018

Great Sci-Fi movie. Keeps you guessing until the end. Visuals are spectacular with creature design that rivals any Hollywood blockbuster out there.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

thefressMar 20, 2018

I cannot stress enough the importance of repeated viewing of this movie. It’s not that it’s the most genius piece of film ever caught on camera, but it is intentionally packed with details that go unnoticed upon one’s first watch, detailsI cannot stress enough the importance of repeated viewing of this movie. It’s not that it’s the most genius piece of film ever caught on camera, but it is intentionally packed with details that go unnoticed upon one’s first watch, details that emphasize the movie’s themes and help develop the main players featured throughout. In a way, the story isn’t dissimilar to that of Garland’s directorial debut, „Ex Machina“. In E.M., one is presented with a moral dilemma of sorts: does the viewer root for the human or the machine, both of which gain one’s sympathy but have very different agendas? „Annihilation“ plays out similarly, only in a much different way and on a grander scale. I’m not going to go into any specific details here, but after three viewings, I can safely say that this is one of my favorite movies to be released in years. Anchored by a typically strong performance by Natalie Portman, whose complex character work ranks among some of her best work in years, a brilliantly understated score by Portishead/ Invada Records mastermind Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury, as well as gorgeous visuals and cinematography, „Annihilation“ is a head scratcher that keeps you coming back for more - and not necessarily out of a desire to understand the mysteries surrounding Area X and the shimmer; it’s a story of death (both physically and metaphorically) and the budding of new life under the most extreme of circumstances. It gives as much as it takes. Easy 9/10.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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10

Minh18121999Mar 19, 2018

Visually Stunning,Creepy as hell with captivating performances,great twists and unique score.Alex Garland has created one of the most original films that is intense,brutal,emotional weight and i had a blast from start to finish.Definitely theVisually Stunning,Creepy as hell with captivating performances,great twists and unique score.Alex Garland has created one of the most original films that is intense,brutal,emotional weight and i had a blast from start to finish.Definitely the best Sci Fi films since Blade Runner 2049… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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7

thedaywalkerMar 19, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think it's a solid good movie.

It's premise keeps it interesting, with yet another fresh look at what an alien invasion could be. Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh were terrific, but other characters failed the get the attention they deserved. Josie (Tessa Thompson) is a great example of this, for most of the movie, seems like she is just there.

The score is beautiful, it just keeps you hooked. They just knew exactly what to give you in every single scene

The ending was so well directed, so well choreographed, the mirror scene between Lena (Natalie Portman) and the Alien was great, and it plays out well in the end where you don't know who exactly got out, the alien or Lena.

Very slow at times even more than needed and some visuals are very unclear, together with the explanation of the mutations and the flowers, maybe if i watch it again i'll understand, but at first i didn't understand 1 thing

I hope Alex Garland keeps making good movies like this… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

MaxPayneIsGodMar 18, 2018

An intriguing, thought provoking Sci-Fi thriller guaranteed to keep you thinking after the final scene. An unsettling and (almost) original concept with some genuine shocks and a good dose of horror. The casting was a bit questionable, notAn intriguing, thought provoking Sci-Fi thriller guaranteed to keep you thinking after the final scene. An unsettling and (almost) original concept with some genuine shocks and a good dose of horror. The casting was a bit questionable, not Miss Portman's best work, Jennifer Jason-Leigh was a miscast based on talent alone, and Oscar Issac was underused (again) I really enjoyed it, but a sequel is unnecessary.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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7

Mafia1Mar 17, 2018

The visuals are stunning. The plot not so much. The take of not explaining or simplifying keeps you curious. the gory stuff is just about right. a new idea at least for me that an alien invasion will not be about guns and destruction can beThe visuals are stunning. The plot not so much. The take of not explaining or simplifying keeps you curious. the gory stuff is just about right. a new idea at least for me that an alien invasion will not be about guns and destruction can be so much more scarier and invisible and uncontrollable.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

GunnerMcDaggetMar 17, 2018

This movie is very much a love/hate affair. On one hand the movie gives you amazing visual effects, an interesting premise, stellar performances by the mainly female cast, and excellent direction... On the other hand we have lazy writing, noThis movie is very much a love/hate affair. On one hand the movie gives you amazing visual effects, an interesting premise, stellar performances by the mainly female cast, and excellent direction... On the other hand we have lazy writing, no commitment to an actual conclusion, and no explanation of what any of it had to do with anything.

TLDR; a great movie let down by terrible writing.

Definitely worth a watch but don't expect much depth from the shallow story line.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

zapVMar 17, 2018

Mysterious and sometimes terrifying movie about people facing tragedy and their psychological journey in attempt to overcome it and face the dark, cruel side of nature.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

GBG_JasonMar 16, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love him or hate him, Alex Garland has become popular in the sci-fi and horror community for penning thought provoking films for a number of years. While some of his works have been masterpieces (28 Days Later), others have been commercial and critical bombs (Sunshine). Garland’s latest work, Annihilation, falls somewhere in between.

The film follows Natalie Portman (Black Swan, The Star War Prequel Trilogy) as Lena, a biologist and former Army vet who embarks into what is called the Shimmer. The Shimmer is a mysterious area that appears to reflect light from the outside akin to the colorful patterns you’d see when light shines through a bubble. The entity landed 3 years prior to the film in a southern region of the US and is slowly growing. Every team, electronic device, and animal sent into it has never been heard from again. That is, until Lena’s husband was sent in and returns after being thought dead for a year. Soon after his return, Kane, played by Oscar Isaac (X-Men Apocalypse, Ex Machina), is rushed to the ER after acting extremely strange. He is then transported with his wife to a hidden base just outside of the mysterious environment. In an effort to find out what is wrong with her husband, Lena heads out with a new team in the hopes of unraveling the mystery of the Shimmer.

As the team sets off on foot into the bubble (which perplexed me as to why they did not use some sort of tank or hovercraft), they see that the Shimmer is changing the flora and fauna in dreamlike (or nightmare-ish) ways. Literally, everything that the Shimmer has touched, even abandoned homes and shacks which grow a strange type of mold or moss, have been modified. Flowers that stem from the same root systems will bloom in various flower patterns, and animals feature new defensive and terrifying features to the point they are barely recognizable. In addition to this, the team keeps experiencing a severe loss of time as well as vivid dreams which may be hallucinations, but the film never is clear on this. While we only get insight into the ones experienced by Lena, the rest of the group does mention experiencing similar situations. These story devices are used sparingly and typically offer more insight to Portman’s character, but also cause the film to lose momentum here and there.

The CGI visuals depicting the changes are acceptable and occasionally stunning, although certain creatures, especially those at the end of the film, look somewhat dated. Others, such as one featured heavily in the midpoint of the film, look downright terrifying. The worst part of the visuals are very much like recent episodes of The Walking Dead; a green screen method is used for a backdrop in almost every scene, giving most of the film a “soap opera” look. While it does paint a pretty picture, it’s often a bit too distracting.

The opening of the film hurts the overall story quite a bit – seeing Lena in the facility wearing what looks like prison garbs gives away a lot of the film, since the remaining team’s fate is put out there for the viewer within the first few minutes. The omission of these details would have given the film a much needed boost to the tension, as it does lull at times. The acting pushes the characters outside of the token roles found in the genre, but knowing the rest of the team will die makes it hard to grow attached to them.A

Much like the opening, the ending will divide or disappoint many viewers as it leaves the fate of a few of the surviving characters open to interpretation. Like many of Garland’s other works, the film questions what it is to be human and if some of our worst traits are by choice or incorporated into our DNA, and whether we are self-destructive by nature or if we are this way due to our environment. I found the ending to be fitting, while my wife was a bit let down. Much like the recent Mother!, which I loved and my wife (along with most of the world) hated, the ending will probably define your thoughts on the film.

With a few pacing issues and occasional poor CGI, Annihilation doesn’t break new ground for the genre, but it does ask some thought provoking questions about what it is to truly be human. If you’re a fan of the horror sci-fi genre, this film should not be missed.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

jzornotMar 16, 2018

Well, now we know where Paddindton comes from. I mean it means perfect sense: he is a talking bear who can make marmalade. He also tends to walk through shimmery screens and lives somewhere which looks quite similar to the zone.
As to theWell, now we know where Paddindton comes from. I mean it means perfect sense: he is a talking bear who can make marmalade. He also tends to walk through shimmery screens and lives somewhere which looks quite similar to the zone.
As to the movie, the atmosphere draws you in. I didn't really notice how well the actors perfored which for me is a good thing for this type of movie. Overall it's mildly new to the general audience who is typically not into this genre. The clifhanger at thiend was over the top though.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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7

ernis_vMar 16, 2018

Part Stalker, part Ghostbusters, part the Twilight Saga Soundtrack, part The Tree of Life, part Alien.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

bigscreen454Mar 16, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Annihilation on the surface sounds more violent than it actually is but there are some gore moments like when a woman with a lot of feminine angst takes a machine gun and blows away a giant mutant alligator. Let me tell you if you are ever wondering whether Natalie Portman can handle a machine gun I can answer you the affirmative yes and it is quite cool. Make no mistake, it’s an Estrogen pumped film, and with a strong-willed female protagonist that perhaps could win an Oscar as well. Natalie Portman’s performance is outstanding and supporting characters did a good job as well. Some of the characters go psycho but I guess that’s to be expected when you encounter too many flowers and rainbows. This all-lady team sent out to achieve success ‘where no man has gone before’ (and achieved success) didn’t end too well. They go out to the danger zone to solve the mystery and things take a turn for the worse. The five women collectively hit menopause at the same time on a ‘very bad day’, and meet stressors such as a Mutant Aligator and Giant Bear with a skull head. This and many other unfortunate events remind us that Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore. The visuals were outstanding. Complete with rainbow anamorphic flares, this scifi film was a visual treat and something different and more interesting than the most recent scifi films. Natalie’s CG alter ego is taller than her, I get that everyone wants to be taller but this was a bit much, Natalie is a ‘shortie’. The special effects of the alter ego were done well and obviously very high budget. The set design was overwhelmingly cool. Very creative flowers and foliage really added to the environment and feel of the film.

Overall I’d say it’s good storytelling and the film kept my attention which is sometimes difficult to do with adult ADHD onset so early, so 8 out of 10 stars for an engaging film.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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7

JLuis_001Mar 15, 2018

I don't usually read many reviews of so-called ''professional critics'' because several times they don't manage to be as objective as I would like and in many cases they practically tell you the whole movie, but incredibly I was saturatedI don't usually read many reviews of so-called ''professional critics'' because several times they don't manage to be as objective as I would like and in many cases they practically tell you the whole movie, but incredibly I was saturated with Facebook and Twitter notes about opinions of this film and an interesting pattern was highlighted, and almost all mentioned the same: ''Annihilation, the film that was too smart for the audiences.''

To mention the distribution method the film got it seems irrelevant by now, it's already on Netflix so there's nothing to do anymore. I admit the film would had been a box office failure to have achieved a release in theaters worldwide but that has nothing to do with the film being ''too smart'' for the regular public, but it's because the film is indeed far from any mainstream standard.

I find ridiculous to label Annihilation as a film too smart for the masses, first because it's not and second because mentioning that kind of things is why these types of non-commercial films are completely ignored. By assuming that the product is smarter than the consumer this will inevitably catalog the product as snobbish and pretentious because by assuming the consumers didn't understand the film then you're automatically calling them stupid, even if it's not the case. That is why today ''professional critics'' are already considered tremendously irrelevant.

But speaking of the film, I must say the plot is quite interesting but far from complex, in addition to the fact that the film spoils at the beginning what happened to the characters, it takes away all the mystery to the subject because you no longer feel any link with them, you're just waiting to see what will happen to them and therefore all the narrative and character development is practically null.
Apparently all them have their secrets and dark sides but none of that is explored and therefore when they start to disappear from the screen and from the story you couldn't care less. But at least the most important mystery remains intact and it directs the film until its ending.

Of the cast only Natalie Portman has a real acting weight, the rest of the cast is disposable, I'm sorry but it's true, even Oscar Issac who despite being the trigger of the journey Portman's character, has no real relevance except with the ending.

I really liked the soundtrack, the cinematography, I listened to a lot of complaints about the CGI but I think that if you consider its budget it was quite decent, the production design is also of a very good level, it immerses you in the situation and becomes a real complement to the story.

At the end of the day I think Annihilation is a good movie, it's interesting and entertaining, not so satisfying but rewarding, personally I prefer Garland's debut; Ex Machina but I would recommend the film to anyone without hesitation and I would definitely tell them that it's not too smart for them.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

oac1982Mar 15, 2018

Far from the usual blockbuster, the film is introspective and heavy with its enervating atmosphere.
Don´t expect jump scares, you´ll find none here (maybe one). Instead, you have a tense plot that leaves you wandering what´s going to happenFar from the usual blockbuster, the film is introspective and heavy with its enervating atmosphere.
Don´t expect jump scares, you´ll find none here (maybe one). Instead, you have a tense plot that leaves you wandering what´s going to happen next (or even what´s going on "right now").… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

DubeauMar 14, 2018

One of the rare movie that mix well horror and sci-fi together. The story is one of discovery, some fascinating. The actors and actress are pretty well balanced in their performance. No overacting here. The music helps a lot. It's eerie andOne of the rare movie that mix well horror and sci-fi together. The story is one of discovery, some fascinating. The actors and actress are pretty well balanced in their performance. No overacting here. The music helps a lot. It's eerie and mystical. Visually the FX is quite colourful, sometimes stunning or just well placed for a good effect. You get engage in Lena story, mainly because Portman is taking us slowly with her. There is a lot that is not explain in the movie and with it's peoples. That makes the film feels more real. I give it an 85%. Absolutely loved it.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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8

ElWrayMar 14, 2018

Annihilation is a movie I personally needed. In more general terms, I think it show's everyone how a great movie is made. Great cast of characters. It's mostly female, but it does it in class. Never does it feel like it wants to beAnnihilation is a movie I personally needed. In more general terms, I think it show's everyone how a great movie is made. Great cast of characters. It's mostly female, but it does it in class. Never does it feel like it wants to be "culturally important" but it just tells a story where the main characters 'just so happen' to be women. The acting and writing overall was mature and left a lot to the imagination. Besides that the visuals and score (oh my god that score) were mind blowing. Besides that I think it's best if you go in blank en just experience it for yourself to make your own conclusions. In the end I think that, when everyone forgot about Marvel movies in the next decade, this one will still be fondly remembered by artists, creative people, people who have the ability to enjoy and understand abstraction and intellectual theme's. It's very high on my list of 'best of the decade' so far. Would recommend it to anyone, but it's a must see for fans of good sci-fi/horror.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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10

ricouda59Mar 14, 2018

awesoooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmme

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

ViniciusBritoMar 13, 2018

When, possibly, a meteor falls on Earth and hit a lighthouse in an isolated location creating a bubble called "The shimmer" that anything that cross it, never comes back. The mysterious bubble keep expanding and taking more land with anyoneWhen, possibly, a meteor falls on Earth and hit a lighthouse in an isolated location creating a bubble called "The shimmer" that anything that cross it, never comes back. The mysterious bubble keep expanding and taking more land with anyone apart of what is going on. During one expedition, one person returns for the firs time, Kane(Soldier), Husband of Lena (Biologist, ex military), he comes different and she wants to understand what happend inside the dome.
This movie is by essence sci-fi but have a bunch of elements from horror and thriller that worked highly, using many open plans for you to get tense that something could come out from here or there technically this movie is phenomenal. I loved the cinematography that they presented, a bunch of moments they show the image obfuscated, with some blur, refracted.. Giving signs of what actually hapens in the shimmer, they show hands touching themselves on the other side of a glass of water, things that will echo later on. The scenario are just phenomenal, the way that they put the forest was simply amazing, how it was dominating the hole place and creating things, making something evolved.. this part really reminded me of the last of us, some scenes and places of the movie, the hole scenario, it gave me flashes from the game.
I like how the movie could be a metaphor for somethings, like for us, that couldn't let the natives dress what they wanted and put on them what we dressed, can't make it to a new place and let it how it is, not just refering to people, but to nature itself, modifying stuff. To a cancer, where want to face it, other fight(showing that you end up becoming what you fight against) or neither of those, leading that the cancer are oursleves. This movie is much about self-destruction, like a cancer, when everybody is blaming themselves or did something that literally destroyed them, is getting themselves destructed.
The track of the movie also are great, having somethings that complete the scene, sometimes with something supernatural, exemplifying in sound what is going on, sometimes a calm and peaceful that complete the beautiful environment, wich remembered me a lot of the last of us as well. Some moments of panic and scary being well represented by the song as well, helping to let you tense.
All the acting worked here, Natalie Portman can express herself with eyes and mouth, passing an idea of doubt and at the same time without expression, having a pretty good chemistry with Oscar Isaac, that also have a good job with his character, passing the idea of hapiness and later frustration. Gina Rodriguez did a very good job on two different moments of her character. Tessa Thompson as always delivered a much different character as usual, doing a much different interpretation, she is one of my favorite actress right now, her character is the most sweet from all of them and she phrase with calm and wisdom, just how her character is needed. Tuva Novotny did a character that was afraid, but could stand firm. Jennifer Jason Leigh did a hell of a great job, doing expression less character, cold that you can literally feel in her way of talk, in her eyes and mouth that doesn't have anything to lost, are all the way in for whatever she is up to.
The montage of the film, maybe could have be done a little better, some scenes are throw on us that just gonna make sense later on, wich is not bad, but how it is mounted i'm not so sure. The director choose to separate the acts for all of us, pointing the titles of each one.
It's a very pessimistic movie, expressing by metaphors how we are, how we are destroying ourselves and other ones. That all of us in some moment of our lives we ruined life, it's part of human nature destroy to construct or just destroy around you. Philosophical and social criticism, how we rational and evolved can destroy ourselves if we know that it ain't gonna do any good it is a genetic failure in all of us. A movie that will make people discuss and talk about it, keeping people's heads for a long time, wich is great, causing discussions and differently interpretations. Discussing creation, evolution, science, religion and, for sure, humanity.
The movie reminded me of a Fight Club quote: "Maybe self-improvement isn't the answer, maybe self-destruction is the answer."… Expand

11 of 17 users found this helpful116

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10

AndresAlfonsoMar 14, 2018

I love this movie , it takes it time , but once arrives goes directly to you , some scenes are one of the most iconic of scy fy in years .

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

im_so_metaMar 13, 2018

It's a slower, deeper, more ambiguous film than, for instance, a comic book movie. If this is your cup of tea though, then its brillliant. The visuals are stunning and the narrative was interesting on my first watch, but actually afterIt's a slower, deeper, more ambiguous film than, for instance, a comic book movie. If this is your cup of tea though, then its brillliant. The visuals are stunning and the narrative was interesting on my first watch, but actually after thinking about it, watching a few YouTube analyses (e.g. the AtZ Show) and interviews with the director (Alex Garland), I re-watched it and got so much more out of it; understanding more of the concepts… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

FyilMar 13, 2018

People are too much used to have everything chew up in details to them. Annihilation is a great science fiction that requires you to think and interpret what is going on, is not thet complicated.

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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9

temptershellMar 12, 2018

This spectacle is not for everyone and I have to make it clear. This film is a very oneiric, story that does not fully give any answer, and the attempt to translate the novel was, in my opinion, an unrealizable project - and it was doneThis spectacle is not for everyone and I have to make it clear. This film is a very oneiric, story that does not fully give any answer, and the attempt to translate the novel was, in my opinion, an unrealizable project - and it was done great. Beautiful pictures, wonderful music and a plot that gives a lot to think about, even opening the mind.… Expand

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

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8

mdbackesMar 12, 2018

Genuinely intelligent and thoughtful science fiction film that confirms Alex Garland's subtlety as a writer/director, especially after his recent Ex Machina. Veers into Alien/Thing body horror with somewhat mixed results, but stays smart.Genuinely intelligent and thoughtful science fiction film that confirms Alex Garland's subtlety as a writer/director, especially after his recent Ex Machina. Veers into Alien/Thing body horror with somewhat mixed results, but stays smart. Like most of these films, there are a few characters that just seem compelled to make obviously dumb decisions. Hope the studio commissions the rest of the trilogy's adaptation.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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8

Geng1sMar 12, 2018

Director has done a great job of taking the themes from the booking and rolling them into a movie that honestly is a lot easier to follow then the books were.

Felt like there were probably some points that needed further explanation butDirector has done a great job of taking the themes from the booking and rolling them into a movie that honestly is a lot easier to follow then the books were.

Felt like there were probably some points that needed further explanation but overall it was a great experience.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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9

FranbarrmanMar 12, 2018

This film is a mindblowing sci-fi beautifull thing, since it starts you know youre watching something different something unique, natalie is at her very best so are the rest of the crew oscar and jennifer, the sets are amazing, theThis film is a mindblowing sci-fi beautifull thing, since it starts you know youre watching something different something unique, natalie is at her very best so are the rest of the crew oscar and jennifer, the sets are amazing, the cinematography is so colorfull and beautifull and god that endind is a big wow. This one will stick with me for a long time. The only issue are some cgi scenes that looked a bit off but youll forgett this. With only two films Alex Garland is one of muy top ten directors what he has achived with this movie and ExMachina is something i cant describe.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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10

CTHReviewsMar 12, 2018

Annihilation is a horror movie in disguise, and one of the creepiest ones I've seen in a while.

The best part of this movie are its concepts. Now, hear me out on this, the execution is done brilliantly, but the ideas and concepts for some ofAnnihilation is a horror movie in disguise, and one of the creepiest ones I've seen in a while.

The best part of this movie are its concepts. Now, hear me out on this, the execution is done brilliantly, but the ideas and concepts for some of the creatures and phenomenons are brilliantly well thought-out, especially when you see this bear-like creature. It honestly scared the sh*t out of me.

It's such a bizarre film with a fantastic mythos behind it.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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8

The4thBillboardMar 11, 2018

Movie was better than I was expecting. Based on the trailer I thought it would be a little more like a horror movie but this is a good solid SciFi.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

NeutralMilkHMar 9, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you have a problem with some some of the acting and the (initially) mediocre... that's fine, it threw me off too the first time I watched it. However, the second time I watched it with all of my information gathered, a lot of things clicked for me, such as why a certain character says the line, "It's a trick of the light!"

Summary before spoilers: The story's actually good in my opinion, characters are developed (if somewhat underacted and underwritten at points), the visuals are **** amazing, and it actually made me sit and watch the credits for a few minutes... I know it says its underacted and underwritten, but that's only in retrospect after my initial viewing which put me on the edge of my seat. So yeah, it's "almost" a 9/10. Best movie I've seen so far this year, there will probably be a bunch of better ones that come out, but yeah, for now, I love this one.

Also, as a response to Gloukas ridiculous belief that this is the worst movie ever made on a big-budget scale, I've written down a list of a bunch of movies that everyone will agree is worse than this one. -Transformers Franchise
-Beowulf (2007)... it's obscure now for a reason
-Pixels
-Jupiter Ascending
-R.I.P.D.
-The Last Airbender
-Batman and Robin
-Disaster Movie
-The Fifty Shades Franchise
-Charlie's Angels

In terms of Science fiction
-Battlefield Earth
-Jurassic Park 3
-Planet of the Apes (2001, the original is a classic)
-Terminator 5 (which is honestly more confusing that Annihilation since they just stopped giving a **** about the timelines.)

--At this point, I delve into much deeper "spoilers," so if you clicked on this knowing that it contained them, and you actually want to watch the movie, then you should probably turn back from this point.--

My theory, is that this movie is about cancer, or relates to cancer in some way. It's about how cancer effects and changes certain people, especially the scientists, who might all be getting killed by "cancer" except for Natalie Portman... essentially, the ending with the plasma grenade might be chemotherapy, and the reason as to why the shimmer is in her eye and as to why Oscar Isaac is so weird is a sign that the cancer might be coming back... this just so happens to be a movie about cancer that pretends to be one about the unknown (which is revealed to be aliens). Anyway, this is just my theory, and it probably sucks ass, if you want to take this movie literally, the ending could just be that the "fake" Natalie Portman came up with a convincing story (albeit, with a bunch of "I don't knows," and also, she would have to know information about the other characters) or that the "real" Natalie Portman simply came back with a trace from the shimmer.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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8

jackmorMar 9, 2018

It was strange but very entertaining. I would watch it again of TV just to see what I might have missed.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

ohnomrbillMar 8, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i enjoyed this movie as a metaphor. its about communication and not meeting our humanity in this missed communication. the country is divided into factions, like congress and we never seem to meet as one. this is how i enjoys this movie. yet, as sci fi, at a point near the end, there is an explosion of light which is really cool. at first i was struggling to like it above the horror i was seeing. in the end was an unusual resolve. for me, this was the movie of the year and kind of better than the shape of water which had originality yet the same story as always. this movie was a little different and a little more original.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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8

WintxMar 7, 2018

Scifi geek here. Still obsessing over this film. Missing many of the novel's scenes/narrative, yet does embrace the essence. Yes, it could be tweaked (would like even longer 2nd act!). But Jesus, not to hyperbolize too much -- I felt asScifi geek here. Still obsessing over this film. Missing many of the novel's scenes/narrative, yet does embrace the essence. Yes, it could be tweaked (would like even longer 2nd act!). But Jesus, not to hyperbolize too much -- I felt as confused & enlightened as much as I did watching Kubrick's 2001. Although I hear it has director's blessing - hoping for an extended "director's cut" in the future. You may hate it now, but give it 10 years... and don't sit near any popcorn eaters!… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

Grueny7Mar 6, 2018

This film cannot be summed up or described in a short review. It exists somewhere between an indie horror film and a psychological art project. Clearly made by a director way smarter than myself, I could not begin to understand the nuancesThis film cannot be summed up or described in a short review. It exists somewhere between an indie horror film and a psychological art project. Clearly made by a director way smarter than myself, I could not begin to understand the nuances and meaning behind the gorgeous imagery, nor do I need to in order to appreciate its beauty. The visuals are remarkably stunning for not being a big budgeted blockbuster and the performances are subtly strong. Recommended for the hardcore fans of sci-fi and Indie Cinema rather than those seeking an accessible horror/fantasy experience.… Expand

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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10

TheRedSnifit1Mar 6, 2018

A surreal, trippy movie following as they enter a region where reality isn't what it used to be. Visually stunning and well-written. Only downside is that there was maybe a touch too much time spent on flashbacks, especially at theA surreal, trippy movie following as they enter a region where reality isn't what it used to be. Visually stunning and well-written. Only downside is that there was maybe a touch too much time spent on flashbacks, especially at the beginning.

This is one of the best, if not *the* best, "Lovecraftian" (an overused term but it fits this movie well) film out there.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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8

CarFan1999Mar 6, 2018

It's an interesting sci-fi film that has a lot of beautiful and sometimes horrifying imagery. More of a slower moving, high-concept sci-fi rather than a strait-up thriller. It's worth seeing.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

KalleeMar 5, 2018

Wow. I am in awe of this movie. If you want your brain to get scrambled, to have your view of life as you know it expanded, then this is the movie for you. I highly recommend watching it in the theaters, as it is one of those movies that isWow. I am in awe of this movie. If you want your brain to get scrambled, to have your view of life as you know it expanded, then this is the movie for you. I highly recommend watching it in the theaters, as it is one of those movies that is larger than life.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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7

KannibalMar 4, 2018

Annihilation is a solid film, it features some stunning high-points and drags during a few fallow periods all in all I wanted more from the movie but I enjoyed it. Annihilation will occupies space in you head for a while, in spite of its flaws.

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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9

BrianMcCriticMar 4, 2018

These are the types of films that really captivate the imagination. Annihilation still has me thinking about it a week later and I don't even come close to having all the answers. A

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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9

JPKMar 3, 2018

Chilling And Mysterious
This Film Is Suspenseful And Intense From Start To Finish.

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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7

dangerfarMar 3, 2018

Annihilation is a captivating and slow burning fantasy/sci-fi that manages to overcome its narrative hollowness through a very strong audio-visual presentation, which especially in the last fifth of the film offers a uniquely rivetingAnnihilation is a captivating and slow burning fantasy/sci-fi that manages to overcome its narrative hollowness through a very strong audio-visual presentation, which especially in the last fifth of the film offers a uniquely riveting experience. The first 4/5 of the movie are, though intriguing, fairly ho-hum. Perfectly watchable as the suspense and mystery are well orchestrated, however many of the characterizations, scares, tension, and plot directions are heavily borrowed and often non-sensical from any viewpoint tied to the real world (hence more in the fantasy realm). It leans a bit heavily on flashbacks that don't hold much meaning, save for one which tries to explain a central theme in the story but gets the biology mostly wrong (or if being charitable vastly oversimplified), thus somewhat souring the note. The characters can at times be frustrating as well, taking predictably rash and irrational directions plucked from generic horror or thriller movies that have been recycled over and over. The last 1/5 is what really saved the movie for me though. It doesn't offer a particularly satisfying resolution or anything, indeed if I'm being honest the core plot itself even when brought to bare really is mostly derivative nonsense that merely pretends to offer insight and answers by vaguely making suggestions about dubious things like "refracting DNA" to move things along in a traditional sense. However the audio-visual presentation of the climax is absolutely arresting, and so well done so as to give one an a small taste of a psychedelic experience, a chance to with the right eyes peer into the nature of creation and the self in a way that is difficult to do without the right stiumulation. It drew me in completely during this sequence, so much so that immediately after it returned to normalcy I wanted to go back. It's a rare and precious thing in movies these days, and it was worth the cost of admission alone. Sound editing and design, cinematography and visual presentation, and acting by the ever charismatic and engaging Portman are all top notch. The rest is well executed but fairly forgettable and uninteresting. It is a rare experience that managed to leave me with a positive impression even as it mostly failed to deliver anything meaningful narratively. I will certainly return to those final minutes again on the smaller screen and marvel at their wonder.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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