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Movie Review: Annihilation

Scott Davis

The science-fiction genre has always held a special place in the hearts of cinephiles over the decades. Classics like Blade Runner (1982), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and Alien (1979) appealed to audiences’ imaginations like no other films before them, arguably, they still do today. The genre is arguably one of the riskier for filmmakers to tackle because the film must not only make the audience believe in a world or setting that is seemingly ambitious, but the filmmaker must also convey a contemporary message of some kind. That’s why when science-fiction films hit, they really hit.

The genre has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence over the years with Arrival (one of the best films of 2016), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and Alex Garland’s Ex Machina (2014). It’s been almost three years since Garland’s incredibly smart and impressive debut feature, and he’s back with an arguably even smarter and more ambitious film—Annihilation. Taking notes from the classics of the genre mentioned earlier, Annihilation is a beautiful, smart, and occasionally terrifying cerebral thrill ride that will leave your mind blown when all is said and done. (Maybe not literally mind blown, but after everything that happens in Annihilation, I’m convinced anything is possible.)

It is best to go into this movie as blind as possible because it is better to experience the film rather than read about it later, but the story focuses on biologist Lena (Natalie Portman) and a team of scientists who venture into a strange force-field-like area that mysteriously appears on Earth. The area continues to grow and no one who enters the area to investigate comes back alive, so the group of scientists must figure out what is happening before it’s too late. Again, the set-up might sound a bit basic, but where Annihilation eventually ends up is anything but basic. The ending packs one heck of a punch and will leave you speechless.

Based off the first book of author Jeff VanderMeer’s best-selling “Southern Reach Trilogy,” Annihilation feels like a story made specifically for the big screen. The way the visuals push the plot forward is only something that can be experienced, and while I haven’t read the books (at least yet anyway), I am curious as to how a tale like this is told on the page. Garland makes this story such a visceral, sensory driven experience, that it would not shock me if this is more effective in film form.

Everything that Garland does with this film is nearly flawless. The cinematography, editing, sound, lighting, and acting are all carried out so perfectly that it is hard to believe that this is only his second film. Everything appears to be done in service of the larger picture and scope of the story. For example, there is a scene somewhat early on that is thrilling and tense, but features almost no music. It’s strange to experience an action sequence where we hear almost everything that is going on with the characters without the assistance of an accompanying score. This is handled differently at the film’s climax when the unsettling score kicks in heavily to match the film’s wild conclusion. The way the score cuts in and out throughout adds to the uneasiness and overall mystery of the film in a breathtaking way. Garland also stages many of the scenes in very effective ways, often with terrifying effect. This is a director who knows how to make his audiences feel the way he wants them to feel, which is impressive from a young filmmaker. Ex Machina and Annihilation clearly show that Garland is a force to be reckoned with going forward.

Natalie Portman in “Annihilation.” Photo by Paramount Pictures – © 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

While Garland’s direction is impressive, it would have been for not if the acting was sub-par. Fear not as Annihilation assembles a terrific female cast that make the script come alive. Natalie Portman is arguably one of the most recognized actresses of this century and knows how to bring complicated characters to life. Lena is a complex and challenging lead that would be demanding for any actress. Much like Amy Adams was in Arrival, Portman is the backbone of Annihilation, and she is certainly strong enough to handle that burden. The rest of the ensemble is impressive as well, with Gina Rodriguez being a standout as her character is given some of the juiciest moments. Oscar Isaac is predictably reliable in a smaller role, but it is really the women who get to show off throughout the film.

Annihilation is a bold, awe-inducing science-fiction masterpiece from supreme craftsman Alex Garland. Much like what Ryan Coogler showed with Black Panther, you don’t have to have a ton of experience to make rewarding cinema. As incredible as Annihilation is, this movie will certainly not be for everyone. The film has a deliberate pace that some might struggle with, but for those looking for a rewarding and unforgettable experience, Annihilation is not to be missed.

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Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a recent graduate of Oakland University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for the student newspaper on campus, The Oakland Post, where he became the paper's managing editor. He also earned a minor in Cinema Studies at OU. Scott enjoys all things film and TV related, especially the blockbuster kind. He might be the biggest Christopher Nolan fan you know.
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