Review of Annihilation (2018) by Alana C — 29 Jul 2018

This is the kind of movie that only comes around every few years. The only reason audiences might score this lower is they are expecting an action sci-fi with guns and technology fighting some extra-terrestrial force.

Thought the unexplained force consuming energy, matter, or whatever the science team deems it is the main objective of the movie, the story allows us to think about energy and matter in a creative way.

This is a movie for film lovers and science (not just sci-fi) nerds. The plot is good, character development is also good. The real treasure of this movie is the use of light and sound. It you have not seen it, surrender to the films atmosphere, uncertainty, and texture, and you will not be disappointed.

I deem a movie exceptional if I find myself thinking about it the next day. I thought about this movie for a few days after watching it. For those looking for action a-la Terminator, or suspense a-la Aliens, you will not find that here (maybe a little of Aliens suspense, but thrill has more of a underlying tension than an identified terror).

I am so excited that director Alex Garland is making movies (see Ex-Machina), and cannot wait for his next film, likely in another 3-5 years.