Alex Garland took his sweet time to become a director. He started out as a writer, contributing to both of Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later and Sunshine as well as writing the screenplay for Dredd, all of which are fantastic. Then, his directorial debut Ex Machina turned out to be not just my favourite film of 2016 but also one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. Just having his name associated with Annihilation was enough to get me pumped for it's release. Unfortunately, unlike his previous works, Annihilation hasn't resonated with me.
The story follows Lana (Natalie Portman) who goes in search of answers after the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of her husband Kane (Oscar Isaac). It transpires that Kane is the lone survivor of numerous covert operations into 'The Shimmer', an otherworldly dimension that is gradually encompassing the coast of Florida. As her husband's mind and physical health begin to deteriorate, Lana volunteers to accompany a team into this zone to try and uncover the truth.
Given the current state of Hollywood, the timing of this film is perfect. An entirely female team at the core of the narrative is welcomed and the move makes little to no reference to the concept of gender. It's a band of badass female characters, so what? The film focuses on their characteristics rather than their genders, just as it should. Each of the five is skilled in their own ways and they balance well with each other on screen. Natalie Portman gives a very strong performance, to no one's surprise. I was certain that, after being burned by both Marvel and Star Wars in the past, she was done with this genre for good. However, she handles a conflicted and confused character extremely well, whilst also sharing great chemistry with Isaac. Tessa Thompson is also great, giving a nuanced and quietly saddening turn. As for the remainder of the team, whilst the actresses are all solid, I didn't really feel we were given enough time to connect with certain members. Attempts are made to establish why these characters would willingly sign up for what is essentially a 'suicide mission'. However, as the 2 hour run time began to drag in the middle, I could feel myself becoming gradually less interested in individuals.
Visually the whole film is on point, but 'The Shimmer' itself is the highlight. In this regard, it's a shame that Annihilation came straight to Netflix, because visual designs this good deserve to be seen on a big screen. Past the bubble esque perimeter, we are treated to a world full of rich and vibrant colours. The landscapes feel real but with bizarre almost psychedelic twists. The scenery and the creatures within are a good mix of beautiful and terrifying. Whilst he never crosses the threshold in full on horror, Garland certainly ramps up the creepiness. From the second they enter 'The Shimmer', a feeling of uneasiness is almost constant, evolving into tension and terror as the film progresses.
To his credit, Garland attempts to draw from other influences in order to give this movie an unconventional edge. However, so many elements are borrowed that it's impossible for them to mesh together and Annihilation ends up suffering from a sort of identity crisis - it doesn't know what kind of film it is. Features of more typical sci-fi are mismatched with glimpses of body horror, flat out thrillers, and a desire to elevate itself to a thought provoking, high-art piece. Reports suggested that Paramount sold this film to Netflix as it was deemed 'too intellectual' for a mainstream release. Admittedly, the movie does raise some profound points about biology and psychology, especially a debate over the true definition of 'annihilation'. Yet, it sort of feels out of place in the story that was established in the opening hour. At times, the film is just weird for the sake of being weird, never offering any real pay off to the questions it raises. And, despite watching the ending twice, I still have no idea what is going on at the conclusion. Some have praised it for not offering any easy answers to the audience, but to me the ending is less ambiguous and more unfinished.
As much as I hate to say it, my overwhelming feeling towards Annihilation was one of disappointment. It's bold in it's attempts to strive for perfection in numerous areas, but doesn't really achieve it in any of them.
3/5 Stars
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