Annihilation

3

drippelFeb 27, 2018

Turned a very good book into a anti-male, multi-culti political statement. Good visuals but ultimately, extremely disappointing.

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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6

AcaciaFeb 27, 2018

For the most part, this was a pretty good movie. Loved the scary parts and the story is very intriguing. I was totally feeling it all the way until the end when I just got a bit lost. Still not completely sure what exactly was going on orFor the most part, this was a pretty good movie. Loved the scary parts and the story is very intriguing. I was totally feeling it all the way until the end when I just got a bit lost. Still not completely sure what exactly was going on or exactly what happened at the end, but it was a bit out there for me. I thought the first at least 45 minutes were kind of slow for me. I just wanted the story to get going. Once it did get going, it was very engrossing and I was really along for the ride. It just kind of left me in the dust in the end.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

KeithDowFeb 27, 2018

"Am I you? Are you me?"

These are the pivotal words spoken late in 'Annihilation,' Alex Garland's directorial follow-up to his breakout hit 'Ex Machina.' The film is unequivocally high-concept--perhaps too much for its own good--in a"Am I you? Are you me?"

These are the pivotal words spoken late in 'Annihilation,' Alex Garland's directorial follow-up to his breakout hit 'Ex Machina.'

The film is unequivocally high-concept--perhaps too much for its own good--in a dazzlingly-shot, heady sci-fi thriller. The more one understands biology--specifically cell biology--the more one is able to appreciate how tightly woven the plot is, and how insanely clever and audacious the ending turns out to be.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

jazzy_jeffFeb 27, 2018

A great soundtrack and cool overall style don't make up for the disappointing realization that Annihilation is ultimately a very shallow film. You just think it's going to end up having more to say.

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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1

MikefromAngusFeb 27, 2018

One of the WORST science fiction movies I ever seen. The movie is so illogical, it makes a comic book genius compare to this movie. But the comic book movie is fun to watch unlike this movie.

7 of 19 users found this helpful712

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10

NShep53Feb 27, 2018

Alex Garland is the man. 28 Days Later, Sunshine, Ex Machina and now ANNIHILATION. Annihilation is his best work so far. The shimmer is a place of horror and true wonder. And so is this film.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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4

GinaKFeb 26, 2018

I thought this movie was very mediocre. There was no chemistry between Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac, and none between her and the other women in the expedition, all of whom were more interesting as actresses and as characters. TheI thought this movie was very mediocre. There was no chemistry between Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac, and none between her and the other women in the expedition, all of whom were more interesting as actresses and as characters. The “monsters” were very derivative – I had time to think about all the other movies I had seen that were better (for example, all the Alien movies) and the alien area (or whatever) was not very creative either. I was not bored, but I wasn’t very interested or excited either. A great disappointment after "Ex Machina".… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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7

BeeceeFeb 26, 2018

The film is well-paced, the visuals are very striking, and it does keep up the suspense (although we know that Natalie Portman's character Lena survives, since the story is told through flashbacks). Natalie Portman does an expectedly goodThe film is well-paced, the visuals are very striking, and it does keep up the suspense (although we know that Natalie Portman's character Lena survives, since the story is told through flashbacks). Natalie Portman does an expectedly good acting job, and it is good to see this many women and minorities in a major studio release. On the other hand, Jennifer Jason Leigh generally speaks in a monotone, the multiple flashbacks are sometimes confusing and the film's conclusion isn't completely logical or satisfying.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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10

mcq767Feb 26, 2018

This movie is not for everyone but I loved every part of it, and at the very least, everyone should be able to appreciate the art direction and some of the more tense scenes. It's not a movie you should see if you want answers to all yourThis movie is not for everyone but I loved every part of it, and at the very least, everyone should be able to appreciate the art direction and some of the more tense scenes. It's not a movie you should see if you want answers to all your questions. It's a movie you should see if you like thinking about answers to big philosophical questions, told in the context of hard sci-fi.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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5

joshwallFeb 26, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pure silliness. The premise is great but the movie lands quite far from the book. Ridiculous end with a man in what looks like a rubber suit miming with Natalie Portman.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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1

SkateNYFeb 25, 2018

Bring a book. Or your Kindle device.

It’s been said that the only legitimate philosophical question is in the form of “Why is there something instead of nothing?” Annihilation reverses the two subjects of that question. I don’t mean toBring a book. Or your Kindle device.

It’s been said that the only legitimate philosophical question is in the form of “Why is there something instead of nothing?” Annihilation reverses the two subjects of that question.

I don’t mean to dismiss anyone’s experience in watching the film, but I found nothing intellectually challenging about either the story. The largely meaningless interpersonal exchanges among and between the characters offered little in the way of much-needed distraction. The scientific revelations that at least three characters advance during their slow walk to a parking lot in a mall that closed decades ago are earth-shattering only if your imagination doesn’t allow for the existence of other forms of life. Even their hypotheses were dull. And you don’t need to be a biologist to figure out what’s different within the alien forest (the writers use the word “shimmer”) in comparison to everyday, carbon-based existence. I won’t give my explanation here since it may be one of a few mundane mysteries in a script that favors only those who delight in disappointment.

The narrative is both uninspired and uninspiring, and the writers provide several opportunities to stop caring about the story and the characters. Unfortunately, this apparent attempt to tamper enthusiasm about the project and the characters who work ay getting us to dislike them spills over into the ending which then steers viewers to ask themselves a very limited set of questions about what may have happened in the film. At least those who were still interested enough to care. I was not among them. I also had the dreaded “embarrassed-for-someone-else” experience more than once, both for a meandering story that seems satisfied to make halfhearted attempts at being interesting and the portrayal of a land that was too often straining to be different in ways that might move viewers to be left in awe. Never happened. CGI and special effects are bland; nothing new to see here that hasn’t already been portrayed (badly) in Sci-Fi TV series. A walk through a rain forest is more visually compelling, even if taken on the National Geographic Channel. The alien world that’s presented evokes images of a darker though ultimately lackluster Walt Disney World in a sometimes cartoonish way rather than shuttling back and forth through the multiple levels of being presented in Interstellar. It portrays a different kind of reality as a blunt object in a world that cries out in desperation for a finer, simpler touch. What’s supposed to be frightening is too often unwittingly comical; the gravity of the mission and the vulnerability of the characters lose their narrative force as a result. (If you haven’t seen it, check out The Forbidden Planet -- a film released more than sixty years ago -- for its compelling narrative and limited but, within the context of the story, realistic special effects.)

Annihilation is not worth seeing, even if you have MoviePass. Not a single “ooh” or “aah” throughout though there was some suppressed laughter along the way. Probably the worst movie I’ve seen in more than a year. I doubt that Annihilation will show up on a “One Hundred Underrated Sci-Fi Movies from Twenty Years Ago” list. There just isn’t very much to it.… Expand

18 of 28 users found this helpful1810

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2

DoxdivaFeb 25, 2018

Don't waste your time on this movie..it's awful. The only reason I gave it a 2 is because of the soundtrack.

19 of 33 users found this helpful1914

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0

nuwaveFeb 25, 2018

Bad movie. Long boring. Very little action. Acting is fair at best. Don't waste your $$$$

7 of 29 users found this helpful722

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8

TheLaughingTechFeb 24, 2018

Do not go into this movie thinking you going to get something to the likes of "Alien" think more of " The Arrival " slow burn, and when you walk out you keep thinking on it...

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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7

SonrisasFeb 24, 2018

In a nutshell, an alien meteorite hits earth, thus creating a zone called the Shimmer. When you walk into it, you slowly become part of it. It causes super refraction of light and DNA and so if DNA mixes across species then each speciesIn a nutshell, an alien meteorite hits earth, thus creating a zone called the Shimmer. When you walk into it, you slowly become part of it. It causes super refraction of light and DNA and so if DNA mixes across species then each species picks up part of the other species. Usually people who enter end up dead or turned to dust or something. I would call this a thriller/horror/fantasy/sci-fi genre. I was very engaged even though the move runs 2 hours plus. I love Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh and both had big parts in this film. I had no idea how it would turn out. If you usually like Sci-fi/thrillers, I think this is your movie.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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8

gazzeberFeb 24, 2018

This was a very interesting and visually stunning film to watch. Based on the book with the same name "Annihilation" does well to show us the world in which this took place and the story to support it. Not sure of director, Alex Garland, willThis was a very interesting and visually stunning film to watch. Based on the book with the same name "Annihilation" does well to show us the world in which this took place and the story to support it. Not sure of director, Alex Garland, will continue with the other 2 books in the trilogy but I am very satisfied with how he put this all together.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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2

rhldrFeb 24, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I kept waiting, and waiting for a unique conclusion with such a meticulous setup. Nope. I did enjoy the music and the visuals effects, especially the last 15 minutes. But the rest was a mix of sci-fi, b-horror "don't go into the dark hole, but there you go", wrapped in a pretentious, intellectual blur wanting to be another Alien movie.… Expand

12 of 22 users found this helpful1210

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9

DeadlyCarrotFeb 24, 2018

This is very likely not a movie that everyone will understand, and that's the whole point. The beginnning is slow, but once it get's good, it stays like that. This is the kind of movie you'll still be thinking about days after, because it'sThis is very likely not a movie that everyone will understand, and that's the whole point. The beginnning is slow, but once it get's good, it stays like that. This is the kind of movie you'll still be thinking about days after, because it's plot actually challenges your mind, which is rare these days. The only issue with this movie is it's slow start and sometimes strange dialogue.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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5

robbywarren93Feb 24, 2018

I'm a film nerd but this is a poor man's Arrival. First two acts are solid but the third act ruins it, completely predictable and unoriginal reveal. No wonder why Paramount was scared about this...

9 of 15 users found this helpful96

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8

arielprimeFeb 24, 2018

Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland is the most intriguing sci-fi film I’ve experienced in a long time. It’s really obscure to describe, but its about an alien meteorite that crash lands in a park on earth and it proceeds to bizarrelyAnnihilation, directed by Alex Garland is the most intriguing sci-fi film I’ve experienced in a long time. It’s really obscure to describe, but its about an alien meteorite that crash lands in a park on earth and it proceeds to bizarrely affect the environment flora and fauna. Natalie Portman delivers a solid performance as well as Gina Rodirguez and Tessa Thompson. To be honest with ya’ll there were plenty of times that I was just looking over to my girl saying “what the hell is going on?” but don’t take it negatively, we were extremely invested. There’s plenty of ambiguity, it really made me think. It’s the kind of film you see and will likely speak for 30 minutes or more about it after watching it. I love that, especially in the sci-fi genre, a film that makes you think. Overall Annihilation is the best sci-fi film I’ve seen in a while, it made me think, beautiful cinematography, super trippy, it made me ask what the hell is going on, and it a visually engaging.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

tylerkellrFeb 24, 2018

This is an instant cult classic. A movie that only Alex Garland could have made. Will likely remain my top film of 2018. An absolute marvel and a masterpiece. Please go support this movie.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

MustardTiger4Feb 24, 2018

Feeling underwhelmed from this. Typically with a good sci-fi movie, I leave the theater thinking about the movie and it's implications in our daily lives. In the vein of Ex Machina's exploration of consciousness and artificial intelligence'sFeeling underwhelmed from this. Typically with a good sci-fi movie, I leave the theater thinking about the movie and it's implications in our daily lives. In the vein of Ex Machina's exploration of consciousness and artificial intelligence's need for humans, Arrival's dissection of time, and even Blade Runner 2049's creation of a feeling through the exploration of a consciousness in a dystopic future.

Here, we have what feels like a typical survival movie wrapped in some interesting biological science. The major difference is that, the plot of surviving feels more central to the movie than the human implications of this biological phenomenon. I think a good sci-fi movie should package this in the reverse, where the plot is simply the device they express their greater idea. This was absolutely lacking in Annihilation.

Maybe it's because I went into this with the expectation of an Arrival-like experience, that I left disappointed.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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9

VancomycinFeb 24, 2018

With all the depth and most delightful elements of a Michael Crichton film (Jurassic Park, Sphere) and the visuals of a James Cameron movie (think The Abyss) you'll leave the theater thinking about this one for a few days.

11 of 17 users found this helpful116

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8

WiscoJoeFeb 24, 2018

Annihilation is a terrifying journey into the unknown that will be achingly familiar to anyone who has pondered the nature of existence. It's a dazzling chimera combining the DNA of H.P. Lovecraft and Virginia Woolf. Like life itself, theAnnihilation is a terrifying journey into the unknown that will be achingly familiar to anyone who has pondered the nature of existence. It's a dazzling chimera combining the DNA of H.P. Lovecraft and Virginia Woolf. Like life itself, the film is driven by an unsettling mix of beauty and horror, love and loss, desire and fear, exploration and obfuscation. The puzzle may ultimately be missing a few pieces, which is sure to confuse or disappoint some people, but for fans of sophisticated sci-fi and emotional horror this film will be a dark, enthralling oasis in a multiplex full of otherwise dull and phony escapism. Hollywood doesn't often make movies like this anymore, so take advantage while you can.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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6

moviemitch96Feb 23, 2018

Disappointing and underwhelming follow-up to Alex Garland's brilliant film 'Ex Machina' if you ask me. Definitely had some huge pacing issues and dragged quite a bit throughout most of it, with only a few moments of real intrigue orDisappointing and underwhelming follow-up to Alex Garland's brilliant film 'Ex Machina' if you ask me. Definitely had some huge pacing issues and dragged quite a bit throughout most of it, with only a few moments of real intrigue or excitement. The whole cast felt under-utilized, and even Natalie Portman had only so much to work with in her lead performance. Overall, like I said, it was definitely pretty disappointing on all counts, with a cast that deserved more of an intriguing story and script to work with, and a story that could've expanded more on its ideas rather than just toying with them.… Expand

9 of 16 users found this helpful97

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7

Meth-dudeFeb 23, 2018

Although the dialogue was most of the time very cliché, the characters were stereotypical and the movie was predictable, it was still surprisingly enjoyable. The acting was quite good, the CGI effects weren't that bad and the movie wasAlthough the dialogue was most of the time very cliché, the characters were stereotypical and the movie was predictable, it was still surprisingly enjoyable. The acting was quite good, the CGI effects weren't that bad and the movie was entertaining. Sure, the movie had it's problems, but it's still a more than decent sci-fi movie.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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8

LatinCritic13Feb 23, 2018

For those that seen Alex Garland’s Ex-Machina, get familiar with Annihilation because it’s terrifyingly great. Since Annihilation is based on a book, the director makes us questioned about what is the biology of life behind it. Sure, thisFor those that seen Alex Garland’s Ex-Machina, get familiar with Annihilation because it’s terrifyingly great. Since Annihilation is based on a book, the director makes us questioned about what is the biology of life behind it. Sure, this film did a good job with the female leads, but the whole thing shines on the philosophy of this movie. This film is familiar for those that have seen Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival or played Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us, but it takes in a more serious and terrifying approach that would take audiences in a adventure to unravel the mysteries of life. Moreover, this film has extremely well done cinematography, performances, sound mixing, and visual effects that made it great to watch. Most people may experience this film as a slow jumping-up-to-conclusions film, but it’s Alex Garland’s R-rated gory film that would make you experience the terror as you watch it for the first time.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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6

wollam11Feb 23, 2018

If you ever wondered what it would look like if an advanced alien race decided to terraform our planet right out from under us, look no further. It's as bizarre, disgusting, and beautiful as anyone has any right to ask for. It will definitelyIf you ever wondered what it would look like if an advanced alien race decided to terraform our planet right out from under us, look no further. It's as bizarre, disgusting, and beautiful as anyone has any right to ask for. It will definitely stick in your mind far longer than most movies do.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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7

Tcurran2Feb 23, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Annihilation may not be entirely successful, but when it works, it really clicks. The last act's ambition was set for the stars, which is why it was such a shame to see the first 2/3rds carry on as a standard sci-fi schlock fest riddled with clunky dialogue and genre cliches. Coming off the success of Ex Machina, writer/director Alex Garland is probably one of the few individuals who would've been able to get this film made, being as strange as it is. The studio appears to have little faith in the project, as they've dumped the international release straight to Netflix. Substantively, Ex Machina this film is not. Though Annihilation's final images leave something for the viewer to chew on, Lena (Natalie Portman) and the rest of the group of female scientists assigned to investigate "the shimmer" are not nearly as compelling as Alicia Vikander and Domnhall Gleeson were in Garland's previous directorial effort. The mystery and suspense built up during the film's first act is quickly dissipated as CGI creatures come barreling through forest environments to pick off the group members. When Annihilation is subtle, it is at its creepy best. Unfortunately though, the script is nowhere near subdued nor intelligent enough to sustain compelling drama for the length of its two hour run time. The rumbling, ethereal sound design does most of the heavy lifting in providing the appropriate atmosphere. The operatic chorus that accompanies Lena and the squad's revelations is a nice touch. Largely how one will feel about this film is their reaction once Natalie Portman reaches the Lighthouse. I bought into it. Its creepy. Its disturbing. But most of all, it carries the film's intellectual heft. Self-destruction is the theme, but you're liable to self destruct yourself after trying to wrap your head around the film's final images. But that fundamentally is what keeps things interesting.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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2

CharlieSGFeb 23, 2018

This was just a very sad movie, all around. The trailer was excellent but what they showed there, were the highlights...period! Very much a dead teenager movie, with a little Alien thrown in to keep it even more predictable.

10 of 21 users found this helpful1011

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7

Solid_SnackFeb 23, 2018

The movie and the book(s) are so very different, yet the book offers integral insight into what the movie is trying to achieve. I can see how the movie might fail some who didn't read the book. I'd probably have to see it again to reach aThe movie and the book(s) are so very different, yet the book offers integral insight into what the movie is trying to achieve. I can see how the movie might fail some who didn't read the book. I'd probably have to see it again to reach a more definitive conclusion.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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1

JlarFeb 23, 2018

This was one of the the most pretentious and awful Sci Fi horror'esque movies I have seen in a long time. Save your money. Terrible casting, Jennifer Jason Leigh is so bad I actually almost fell asleep. The rest of the supporting cast isThis was one of the the most pretentious and awful Sci Fi horror'esque movies I have seen in a long time. Save your money. Terrible casting, Jennifer Jason Leigh is so bad I actually almost fell asleep. The rest of the supporting cast is terrible. Terrible dialogue as well. One scene in particular with Portman and her colleague in a private moment actually made me laugh out loud. That never happens to me. The movie has no idea what it wants to be. The ending is NOT thought provoking, it's lazy, under developed and full of superficial substance leaving the innards as hollow as can be. I didn't even pay to see this and felt robbed. This is coming from a life long sci Fi and horror junkie. I loved ex machina but this was a huge let down. What is wrong with critics? If they are rating the movie based on visual aesthetics and a diverse cast meaning ladies only, then sure this is an 8 out of 10, but when digging deeper, this is a hollowed out experience with little substance, much like the majority of new theatrical IP we are seeing today. This was a mish mash of ex machina, the thing, predator, the arrival etc... You're better off sticking to those movies, they did it better...1/10 for me.… Expand

22 of 48 users found this helpful2226

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2

billb3469Feb 23, 2018

I'm a casual movie goer and not a professional reviewer. Here are some of my thoughts.

Science: Refraction of a wave only alters it's direction through a medium. The idea that DNA would be combined with other surrounding DNA because ofI'm a casual movie goer and not a professional reviewer. Here are some of my thoughts.

Science: Refraction of a wave only alters it's direction through a medium. The idea that DNA would be combined with other surrounding DNA because of Refraction makes no sense. Science Grade F.

Logical Character Actions: The gov't has been trying to figure out the shimmer for 3 years. No one comes out alive. A. Why would the Army send in the wife of a KIA soldier?
B. Why didn't the Army send in a monkey in a cage for 1 second and then pull it out and test it? Then do it for 1 minute? Then 1 hour?
C. Electronic equipment doesn't work in the Shimmer. Ok, why not buy a Polaroid camera on ebay and get a long pole and push it in there and snap a few pictures and pull it out?
D. The expedition couldn't remember what happened the day before. Why not take out a notepad and pen and write down a log?
E. The 4 women that are on the expedition seem like poor choices for this Save the World mission.
F. Why did the Army use those Hi-8 video cameras for recording? If you can record on magnetic tape, you can record on a cell phone and bring a USB charger.
LOGICAL Grade: F

Ok, so let's forget the Sci-Fi and the illogical plot. How were other aspects of the movie?

Script, Direction and Acting: Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh were a major reason I went to see the movie. How was it possible to make both monotone, unemotional, and boring? The script left them with boring conversation and thoughts. The director took almost all emotion out of them. Portman's husband was not developed enough for me to care about his character. I didn't know him to start, the gave me more info, but I never was invested in him.

One of the worst things about the movie is the end. After sitting through the entire movie, a little fire destroys the world threatening shimmer problem and saves mankind. That's the pay off that had me stand up and say "I've been fooled by the critics again, shame on me". It had me wondering why the Army hadn't previously shot a Rocket Propelled Grenade into the shimmer or a bomb. How fortunate that a forest fire didn't start and destroy the shimmer.
How fortunate nobody sent in was a smoker or started a camp fire.
The only thing the Army could figure out was to send in people who never came out. Then send in more people and more people. For THREE YEARS.

Script: Grade F.
Direction: Grade F.
Acting: Grade C.

OTHER: Various DNA combinations led to special effects that were very good and interesting.
OTHER grade: B

Overall, I can't say it was a complete waste of time. However, I wish I would have chosen a different movie to see at the theater, eventually seen Annihilation at home and not spent $14 a ticket on it.

The more I think about it, I feel 1 star would be more appropriate than 2 stars. However, I'm not going to think about it.… Expand

13 of 37 users found this helpful1324

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10

joylitFeb 23, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Annihilation" is based on a novel of the same name by Jeff Vandermeer, a writer specialized in a sci-fi/fantasy sub-genre known as "Weird Fiction". This book is the first from a trilogy: the "Southern Reach Trilogy"; however, director/screenwriter Alex Garland ("Ex Machina") wrote this adaptation before the next two books were even published. "Annihilation" follows the story of a Lena, a biologist with military background, whose life has been shattered by the disappearance of her soldier husband who had gone on a secret mission into an ecological disaster area presumably harboring by an alien presence. At the beginning of the movie, we witness the return of the hubby, who unexpectedly comes back home in a confused mental state, soon becomes ill and is taken to a secret facility together with his wife. The place is a scientific research installation, built on the vecinity of an ever growing quarentined site known as "Area X", which comprises a coastal area and its adjacent forest, permanently enveloped in a phenomenon called "the shimmer"; this is an iridiscent wall of light that enshrouds the entire area, disconnecting it from the external world, which originated years prior when a meteorite hit a nearby lighthouse. Little is known about what is going on on the other side of "the shimmer", since several expeditions have gone missing and its members are presumably dead. Lena will meet doctor Vendress, a psychologist and authority figure, who explains to her that her husband is in the facility, suffering from multiple organ failure and massive bleeding. Both women agree that Lena should be part of the next expedition to Area X (it is argued she might be able to find a cure for her ailing husband), an all-female team that includes the rather obscurely motivated psychologist, all of whom seem to have very little to lose appart from their own lives. The movie weaves different timelines in a very seamless way: the very beginning is an interrogation scene where Lena is being inquired by a scientist about her experience in the Area X and the fate of her party; the second timeline kicks off with the husband's reappearance and continues with Lena meeting the members of the expedition and departing into the unknown. There are also flashbacks of Lena's immediate past with her husband, which provides information about their relationship that is crucial for establishing the dramatic core of the story. Alex Garland shows an assured hand with the complex narative, a combination of economy and elegance that that is both elocuent and easy to follow; this allows him to introduce different layers of meaning within the narrative (psychological, scientific, philosophical), and to tackle big themes without becoming pretentious or obtuse. The movie has memorable dialogue not included in the original novel and the characters are much more fleshed out (the conversation between the biologist and the psychologist about the nature of self destruction is a highlight, and a pivotal moment in the film).
As someone who have read the books, I have taken notice of the multiple changes that have been introduced by Garland, and even though a favorite character and storyline from the novel have been eliminated, and some elements have traded background/foreground places, I appreciate the way the director has made this story his own, taking enough from the book to make the story recognizable, but at the same time making his own interpretations and connections, expanding on its themes and characters. There is much wonder, weirdness and visual poetry to be found in the beautiful and exceptionally well crafted film, and to my surprise there is also plenty body horror and sudden outbursts of gnaly monster action, with one scene being particularly brutal and effective. This is a film where you can clearly appreciate the simbiotic relationship between these two highly imaginative thinkers, maybe the best collaboration since Kubrick and Arthrur C. Clarke in "2001: An Space Odyssey"). "Annihilation" represents the type of reflexive science fiction that ponders about our place in the cosmos, our intrinsic mutability, and the horrors this conjures; it amounts to a surreal, sciency phantasmagoria about desintegrating identity, deeply rooted in cosmic horror. It is the rare high concept movie that is both extremely entertaining and dazzingly thought provoking. And I have no words to describe that climax apart from saying it left me in complete awe. This is for sure a new sci-fi classic that consolidates Garland as one of the major sci-fi visionaries of our time.… Expand

25 of 45 users found this helpful2520

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Annihilation

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