Told
in a series of flashbacks, Annihilation is
a science fiction tale of curiosity and terror with a strong female cast guided
by talented director/writer Alex Garland (Ex
Machina) who takes some new twists with the source novel as he continues to
build a strong portfolio of wondrous, disturbing science fiction.
A
meteor crashes in the everglades near a lighthouse, and a mysterious shiny bubble called the Shimmer surrounds a section of the
glades with potentially dangerous effects. Is it an alien being or a weapon or invasion
force? Why is it here, and what are the ramifications as it slowly grows? Lena (Natalie Portman), a bioscientist whose
husband (Oscar Isaac) ventured into the shimmer and has been missing for a
year. Desperate to understand what has happened to
him, she leads four scientists and soldiers to find answers. Each team member has her reason for going on
what could be a suicide mission.
Venturing deeper, they encounter strange phenomena and the Shimmer’s
effects on biological life and ultimately themselves. As
evidence of previous missions confirms their worst fears, the film takes a
decidedly ominous tone as the group fights for survival even as the raw beauty
around them masks a horrifying secret.
The
film takes its time unfolding its deliberately paced narrative as it shares its
DNA with Alien, The Thing (1982), and the
influence of David Cronenberg. For
purists, it plays like a big budget version of a classic Outer Limits TV episode.
By film’s end, it
deals with the mysteries of love and the meaning of humanity and leaves room for more stories. It’s a fascinating, imaginative piece of
science fiction with an element of viciousness.
***1/2
of **** stars (add ½* for scifi fans)
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