Annihilation (2018) - Review

Every so often, a film comes out that is so thought-provoking, it can be simultaneously good and bad. 2017's "Mother!" experienced this, and I believe that "Annihilation" is one of this year's think-piece films.

In "Annihilation", Natalie Portman plays a biologist who joins a team of scientists to investigate 'The Shimmer', an other-worldly quarantine zone where her husband (Oscar Isaac) was missing within for over a year before miraculously finding a way out.

Annihilation's is carried by its strong direction. Alex Garland follows up his breakout smash "Ex Machina" in great fashion, crafting a non-linear story from the point of view of Portman's Lena. The use of flash forwards and flash backs called to mind 2016's "Arrival", in the best way possible. The way 'The Shimmer' is slightly brighter and out of focus gives it the alien quality that sets it apart from scenes set outside. The colour scheme is delightful as well, with the outside world a greyish landscape, while inside the mysterious area plants and wildlife flourish.

The writing is perhaps the films biggest strong point. While I found the first half drug on and nearly put me to sleep, the back half ramps up the mystery and keeps viewers engaged and seeking out answers to the questions proposed by the film. "Annihilation" is part sci-fi and part mystery, so it pleases me to say that the reveal at the end of the film, while a head scratcher at first, kept me thinking after the credits rolled. This is a big plus for me, as I love a good hearty film you can chew on for days after. I will acknowledge however, this may turn off some viewers and leave some unsatisfied. The reveal is not a big shocking twist, so it may not land as well for those who are conditioned to expect a Keyser Soze-level ending.

The weakest area of the film in my opinion is the acting. Natalie Portman is fine as the lead, never really pulling me in enough to find her character particularly interesting. Oscar Isaac is good, quickly becoming my favourite actor today, however his screen time is severely limited. On top of that, the chemistry between Portman and Isaac is nil, and while I realize some senes were supposed to come off that way, the first lovey-dovey scene we see the two in was so flat it made Anakin and Padme look like Harry and Sally. The best performance comes from Gina Rodriguez, combining comedy into an imposing character, while also being incredibly sympathetic. The rest of the ensemble is serviceable, despite being nothing to write home about.

The weakest area of the film in my opinion is the acting. Natalie Portman is fine as the lead, never really pulling me in enough to find her character particularly interesting. Oscar Isaac is good, quickly becoming my favourite actor today, however his screen time is severely limited. On top of that, the chemistry between Portman and Isaac is nil, and while I realize some scenes were supposed to come off that way, the first lovey-dovey scene we see the two in was so flat it made Anakin and Padme look like Harry and Sally. The best performance comes from Gina Rodriguez, combining comedy into an imposing character, while also being incredibly sympathetic. The rest of the ensemble is serviceable, despite being nothing to write home about.

A few final notes: The music was OK. One piece kept being used over and over, to the point of being tiresome. The effects were passable as well. You can tell this was made on a smaller budget, but Garland does a nice job of keeping the more limited effects hidden in creative ways. There is one particular effect that repulsed me in the best way, helping to snap me out of a slumber I was falling into it. I won't spoil it, but I will say that it involves moving intestines. Yuck.

While "Annihilation" is a film that I will continue to digest over the coming days, I can't help but acknowledge that it just didn't land for me in the way I was hoping. I had relatively low expectations, but Garland, Portman and the rest of the cast were capable of more in my opinion. Lots of potential that went untapped. I recommend checking out "Annihilation" at a MATINEE showing.