Annihilation

Smart sci-fi flicks are unique in how they cause audience members to enter discussions around the events that have occurred. Using an interesting concept to solve a physical issue or phenomenon lends itself to deeper meanings to uncover with multiple viewings. Some of these well-known examples include Blade Runner, Inception, and Interstellar. They manipulate the science and the story in such as an intriguing manner to the point of questioning what's going on. This brings us here to Alex Garland, the writer and director of two recent modern entries in that genre, Ex Machina and Annihilation. The former made quite an impact on the public in its release and, in my first viewing of it recently, it didn't necessarily astound me but I liked it enough to see why others enjoyed it. Annihilation, his latest project, had a small marketing campaign and earned positive reviews, which I went into the theater to see if it was justified and left it somewhat impressed.

Plot: The story follows our lead protagonist being interrogated in the present time as she recalls the tumultuous journey she went with a group of researchers into a growing mysterious field that's mutating the animals and plants known as The Shimmer. The strength and weakness lies in the details being shown along with the slow pacing of it. There are some very interesting ideas and concepts being used with area and it lends itself to some well handled visual moments. There are elements of horror here that are good watch with some of the mutant animals.

However, the first act (30-45 minutes) is both rather dull and a slog to get through in terms of exposition dump and pacing. The slow pace is holding the story back pretty bad and hurts the impact of what its trying to achieve at times. The focus on its lead protagonist tends to have flashback moments pop in and interrupt the flow of the narrative (they could have left out a scene or two). The other members in the research group carry there own sorts of past trauma and their journey carries it into different angles. Sometimes you wonder whether something is really there or if its psychological. That concept is utilize to mixed execution with some scenes being good to others being too bizarre and off-putting with the dialog. The third act is visually fascinating and silent (to the point where that couple whispering behind can get in the way and you want them to be quiet in order to feel some type of impact).

Characters: The people to focus on are Lena (Natalie Portman) and Kane (Oscar Isaac). Lena is a former soldier and biologist who embarks on the group expedition into the Shimmer. Natalie, who's proven herself to be a very good actress, seems to be directed to being as held back as she possibly can. Kane is Lena's husband and a soldier from the previous expedition. Oscar gives a good performance in how subdued his character is and it helps that both of these actors have chemistry in the flashback scenes (yes, Padme Amidala has better chemistry with Po Dameron than she did with Anakin Skywalker). A dishonorable mention goes to Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) for also being directed into a subpar performance and bad writing.

Overall Consensus: Annihilation is mixed with good ideas/concepts, nice visuals, horror/suspense elements but struggles with a sluggish slow pace, underwhelming acting, bad writing, and off-putting directing. ⭑⭑⭑💻 Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes R

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You like smart sci-fi movies with a slow pace along with elements of action and horror. You have seen Ex Machina and want to see how Alex Garland follows it up. You enjoy weird mutant creatures in sci-fi.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You dislike smart sci-fi movies with sluggish pacing.

Coming up next: February Frenzy has come to an end with the mixed bags of Annihilation of Early Man. The month had been rather fascinating with the diverse choice of reviews given. But now the storm has arrived with the large batch of movies coming with March Madness. I will be stepping outside of the amount of critiques typically done and will be covering 5 instead of the usual 4. Before the rest of the blockbusters arrive to either satisfy or disappoint, Screening Spectacles will be taking things nice and easy with a comedy that's been around for a few weeks with some positive buzz! Tune in next time as Screening Spectacles will begin March Madness by watching and reviewing Game Night!!!