Just saw the film Annihilation- Natalie Portman stars, and its directed by Alex Garland of Ex Machina fame. This film is for those who want a complex and odd sci fi experience- and can appreciate a movie that doesn't fit a typical mould. I have to say, Ex Machina was easier to digest and is quite obviously, scifi gold. I'm not sure about Annihilation- the critics loved it, however.

The movie is based upon the book of the same name- it builds slowly, but remains a fairly quiet movie, much like Machina. It starts with an unknown entity coming to earth and interacting with its environment in an insidious and unrelenting manner.

It was a real treat to see Jennifer Jason Leigh (Fast Times at Ridgemont High). Other notables include Gina Rodriquez, Oscar Isaac (Po Dameron in Star Wars), Tessa Thompson (The Valkyre from Thor3).

Again, flavours of Ex Machina, but deeper and less obvious where its going. The end lets you imagine what happens next when the quiet mayhem gets let out of its cage. Great sets. Great ambient sound track.
Its not for kids, its not a great date movie, its odd, its deep. I encourages discussion. An enjoyable watch for a scifi junky. So, for a film of the genre I'll give it a 7/10, maybe 7.5/10..

darcy

 

just watched it too. my friend and i were discussing the ending. we both liked the movie and plan to see it again.

 

this film was a disappointment to me. I inhale scifi films. Nice setup but not a sattisfactory follow through. More questions that answers which is never good in a story. The cast is full of great actors, the story lets them down. 2.5 outta 10 for the effort, as it is a crafted story. Somehow I expected more.

 

Agree with the OP review, I would also give it a similar score 7/10.

Funny you mentioned Jennifer Jason Leigh, as I was actually kind of repulsed by her character in this movie, mostly her mouth, but didn't realize it was her until now, damn but interestingly I thought she sort of resembled her when I fist watched the film and thought no way, couldn't be her. Usually im pretty good at picking out faces I haven't seen in a long time, but she got old or some funky aging plastic surgery or something messing with her face. Shocking to see her in this after just watching fast time at Ridgemont high for the millionth time about two weeks ago

 

I liked it, but as far as being from the same guy who did Ex Machina, it had the same ending.

Spoiler .....3....2....1..........Creepy mysterious thing with potential for massive destruction is contained during the movie, but gets out at the end and nobody knows it is loose. I was kinda wanting him to try something different. Still worth the watch though.

 

I think all the plots are used up by now, so its all about how you get there. A good movie is about the ride it takes you on. Can it hold your attention and make you feel something, immersed. If you can not check your phone in 2 hours, its done its job.

 

I enjoyed this movie right up until the end. Watched it after some CA brownies with my girl and felt the same way.

Absolutely gorgeous to look at though. Has anyone read the book?