Writer & Director
Alex Garland
(EX MACHINA)

Stars
Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny and Oscar Isaac

Behind the production of ANNIHILATION are some facts pertaining to its development that do raise a few serious talking points. 1) ANNIHILATION is based on the award-winning first novel in “The Southern Reach” trilogy written by author Jeff VanderMeer. 2) Writer & director Alex Garland’s script had already been completed before the second book in the trilogy was published. 3) Prior to its release, ANNIHILATION drew some criticism for its casting, as certain characters are of a completely different ethnicity to as described in the second novel.

In response to that criticism, Alex Garland explained that that none of the five female characters’ ethnicity is revealed in the first book, in addition to the above second point. Furthermore, he did not wish to read the trilogy while making this movie, in order to not be influenced by them and to maintain his own direction of adapting the first novel into something that’s “like a dream of the book”.

And so beg the questions – Do you consider these decisions to be dismissive towards the original material this vision is sourced and its creator? If so, is this fair to everyone, including many readers and viewers? Does the final casting call take an employment and potentially career-defining opportunity away from someone it is originally written with and intended for? And just how far will your answers to these questions sway your overall opinion of the much-hyped and highly-anticipated Netflix release of ANNIHILATION?

Finally, let’s look at the plot, which centres on a biologist named Lena (Natalie Portman), who is recruited by Dr Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to join her and three other women on a dangerous research expedition into “The Shimmer”, an accessible yet foreign area situated on our planet where our laws of nature do not apply. It is also where Lena’s husband, Kane (Oscar Isaac), journeyed to twelve months ago… and never returned.

The fascinating ideas raised in this science-fiction adventure film from its core material has indeed made a successful transition to the screen. Right from the opening scene, ANNIHILATION draws mystery that deepens and greatly intrigues. Many early questions relating to “The Shimmer” are provoked and these alone are sufficient to maintain investment to the film. But so ambitious is the concept and writing, several additional points of interest arise courtesy of the main characters.

Visually, it must be said that ANNIHILATION’s unusual design is at first unspectacular, but does eventually grow on the viewer. More so once we’ve trekked further into “The Shimmer” and have adjusted to its beauty, secrets and dangers, which exude a strong sense of wonder and trepidation. Similarly, the first couple of key momentous scenes don’t quite live up to their potent build-up and do underwhelm. Nonetheless, once the visual design begins to impact the film more positively during further proceedings, ANNIHILATION achieves its own original style that is very alluring.

However, it is fundamentally flawed. Without mentioning these specifically, there is more than one crucial detail during its conclusion that remains unexplained. A couple of lazy or clumsy patches in the writing are easily observed throughout too. Make no mistake though, this is still a very good movie. But when taking into account certain facts surrounding its development into film, one cannot help but believe we may have had an instant sci-fi classic in our hands, had due care, some loyalty and better collaboration been given when and where needed.

It’s not often you’ll award a film this rating out of five and still remember it as a missed opportunity.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (Strong violence, strong blood and gore, strong horror themes)

Trailer
ANNIHILATION

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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