Annihilation

Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Oscar Issac,

Director: Alex Garland

Cert: 15

The Story: Lena’s (Portman) husband Kane (Issac) is a solider has been missing for a year and is to be presumed dead. Still unable to come terms with his loss, he suddenly reappears with no memory of where he has been. Kane falls critically ill, but doesn’t make it to the hospital as he and Lena are taken to a top secret facility known as Area X. With his life in the balance, Lena is shown The Shimmer, a huge area that contains an evolving and expanding world within which threatens all of humanity, but may also hold the answers she seeks – where has Kane been and can he be saved?

Alex Garland’s love for science fiction is abundantly clear; writing Judge Dredd (allegedly directing too), the Danny Boyle helmed Sunshine and most recently writing and directing the incredibly smart (and Oscar winning) Ex Machina. His latest film Annihilation arrived under some controversy. Not about the quality of the film itself, because it’s bloody excellent, but Paramount’s decision to only give it a theatrical run in the US, with Netflix securing its worldwide release rights.

Why, you may ask? Well, it seems that Paramount were worried that the film may not fare well theatrically, as initial test screens suggested that it may be “to intellectual” for a wider audience. This is puzzling, because they also released the intelligent, thought-provoking and intellectual sci-fi Arrival in 2016, to box office success and 8 Oscar nominations. Sadly, Annihilation underperformed in US cinemas.

Getting away from the negativity, Garland’s film is visually stunning with towering images of The Shimmer itself and its lush, green primordial flora. Disturbingly, the plant life seems to have absorbed something from the humans who have visited before, including a number of actual bodies, which makes for some beautifully creepy plant life. There is also new and genetically altered wildlife, such as the large crocodile seen in the trailer, which could explain why until now, no one has made it out alive. The creature design is excellent and offers us one of the films standout moments – no spoilers here though.

The most influence on Garlands work here is Tarkovsky’s 1979 sci-fi classic Stalker, which sees 2 men taken to an area known as the “Zone”. Annihilation is a far more accessible film, but no less brain scrambling.

The score by Geoff Barrow and Ben Sailsbury, is equally as epic as the world that Garland has built, creating a sense of scope and awe. Again, this is something that begs to be heard in the cinema and like the visuals, loses something in translation to the small screen.

Portman - as always - is superb and she is ably supported (refreshingly so) by four other female leads who embark on a to find the lighthouse, the source of the anomaly. Typically, each character is motivated by something personal, rather than just the salvation of the human race. Dr. Ventress (Jason-Leigh) for example, has cancer and it’s a one way trip for her. It’s particularly nice to see Jennifer Jason-Leigh, her career somewhat resurgent after her Oscar nominated turn in The Hateful 8, another actor benefiting from the Tarantino effect. She’s been around for a long time and it’s easy to forget just how good an actress she is. Great turns in films such as Single White Female, Last Exit to Brooklyn, The Hitcher and Rush made her a prolific screen presence during the 80’s and 90’s. Her 00’s output has been lower, but no less compelling.

The Verdict: 4/5

One of the best films you’ll see this year, Annihilation will twist your melon man.