Annihilation
Annihilation

Movie spotlight

Annihilation

2018
Movie
115 min
English

A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users73%
Director: Alex GarlandGenres: Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A biologist and former soldier leads a team of scientists into the 'Shimmer,' a mysterious quarantine zone where the laws of nature do not apply. As they venture deeper into this beautiful yet dangerous alien landscape, they encounter mutated flora and fauna and begin to experience profound psychological and physical changes. The team must uncover the secrets of the Shimmer before it consumes them entirely.

Critical Reception

Annihilation received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its stunning visuals, complex themes, and unsettling atmosphere. While some found its ambiguous nature challenging, most critics praised its intelligence and originality as a science fiction film that dared to explore existential and ecological ideas.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking and surreal alien environment.

  • Commended for its thought-provoking exploration of self-destruction, change, and the unknown.

  • Acknowledged for its challenging narrative and unsettling, atmospheric horror.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's unique visual style and its ability to provoke thought and discussion. Many appreciated its departure from typical genre conventions, though some found its pacing and enigmatic storyline to be a point of contention.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Fun Fact

The Shimmer was created using a combination of practical effects, CGI, and a unique phosphorescent paint technique to achieve its ethereal glow.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

6 reviews
Abstractals

Abstractals

Alex Garland is the sh*t in my books, and can do no wrong. And yet, I am not 100% sure about this film. There are many things I *really* like. For example: - In retrospect, the **'Stalker'** vibe, the **'Contact'** vibe, the **'Ar...

Nathan

Nathan

Annihilation is a thrilling Sci-Fi mind bender that will have you thinking throughout the entire film. There was not a second that I was not constantly reformulating my theories about what was causing the anomaly and what was going to happe...

Repo Jack

Repo Jack

It helps to have an open mind and just let yourself go with the flow of the story ... most plot elements align about half-way through the film. Meanwhile just lean back and enjoy the outstanding visual effects, cinematography and sound desi...

lori007101

lori007101

In and of itself, the history of Annihilation is not bad. It has a lot of pictures and camera settings. The individual scenes are told leisurely and you take time for each individual setting. It is also noticeable that the figure drawings ...

Gimly

Gimly

Critics are by and large on board with _Annihilation_. Audiences however have been more split. Even the people I know personally are coming out strongly either for or against it. Normally, those are the kind of movies that I find myself fee...

Rodney Wollam

Rodney Wollam

What does it look like to inferior human beings when an advanced alien race begins terraforming our planet right out from under us? This. This is what it looks like. 6/10.