Annihilation reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Annihilation. Scientist and former soldier Lena heads into a strange contaminated area known as 'the shimmer' in order to save her husband, a soldier who had entered the shimmer on a previous expedition.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
Twitter: @Wittertainment
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[@ion_iot]

Who agrees that the music was superbly unsettling?

[@Asherbw]

Elliot B one of the best scores in my opinion

[@avedic]

I _loved_ the music in this. You must watch Garland's new show, it's on Hulu, called Devs. It's incredible. I'm hooked. And the soundtrack is very very similar to Annihilation. I assume it's the same guy who did it. Sounds incredible.

[@thehitherto5348]

One thing I liked about Anihilation was the ambiguous nature of "the shimmer", even though it's the antagonistic force. It's neither good nor evil. It just is.

[@felixkristensson5159]

TheHitherto ok

[@DongusKongus]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm sounds a lot like stalker to me

[@sprobablycancr4457]

@@DongusKongus There's a short shot tracking over water at around 77mins. Definite nod to stalker. Surprised Mark didn't mention it.

[@PrinceZappa]

Um seemed pretty evil to me by the end.

[@zenithquasar9623]

Yeah, just because something is bad for us, doesn't mean it is inherently bad or evil. As we are part of this universe, shimmer is also.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Glad you mentioned Stalker. To be honest this film and the source book owed an enormous amount to Tarkovsky's film and Roadside Picnic the Strugatsky short story which inspired it, with the lighthouse standing in for The Room in Stalker.

[@stueymac1111]

I watched it. I loved it. Slow pace at the start is something you don't really see too often. And I would love to see it in a cinema, the colours, the sounds and the 3rd act!

[@alanredversangel]

Really good film. The whole lighthouse bit is just superb sci-fi.

[@seunayadi]

I actually enjoyed this, am tired of all this “sugar rush” movies marvel and dc super hero movies 🎥 I think we need more movies like exmachina and annihilation something a bit more philosophical and experimental.

[@hellokintu]

without question

[@GoldenGyroBalls]

Ya know, you CAN live in a world where you enjoy both. It's not hard.

[@patrickrowan6001]

Annihilation is great but it isn't hard science fiction. Soft sci fi can be smart and philosophical too.

[@Salman-Zaki]

The strength of this movie lies in its final act. It's breathtakingly brilliant.

[@fraserlamb5787]

That was not Kane, but I think it was really his wife.

[@jayr7965]

As a fan of the books the ending was very disappointing. They tried to get all the themes from the books across in an interpretive dance number haha. Seriously, if you like d the movie you should read the books. So good. I can't watch the movie on it's own merits because of them.

[@butcherax]

The final act is good but the bear scene is astounding. Had my eyes sweating.

[@JSCwrd]

Completely agree, alluded to classic sci-fi while being something strangely all its own. The middle act was a bit baggy, I think the character development was off, but the ending made it worth it for me.

[@dacanesta]

I must have seen a different film to everyone else! I saw Natalie sportsman fannying around with a funny coloured humanoid thing and then she blew it up. I must need more brain.

[@squeezycakes1775]

Sunshine *is* amazing

[@VaughnHaynes]

YES! Sunshine was incredible. very underrated

[@notimportant3686]

act 3 was hot trash

[@witlessfop36]

Left out ‘Dredd’ from Garland’s filmography.

[@akulaa4853]

I loved the "otherness" of the thing that transformed towards the end. (trying not to give anything away here.)

[@amandahall8082]

Very Lovecraftian. Really wish some smart HPL adaptations would be made.

[@Blank-km4qr]

Should have included his cat

[@travispickle2147]

Thank you for uploading this

[@audiodead7302]

I agree it had some interesting ideas and took influences from some solid sources (Color out of Space, The Thing, Stalker, maybe even a bit of Apocalypse Now). However: - The acting performances didn't make sense at times (characters suddenly getting emotional for no reason, or having no emotion at all, or speaking very slowly like they are having a bad trip). - The story didn't really develop anywhere (the last half hour was more like a surreal electronic music video - and that was probably the best part of the movie). - In fact, much about this movie makes little sense (e.g. why would you send 5 non-soldiers with no back up or serious military equipment on such a dangerous mission - they didn't seem to know what they were doing half the time - no chance of success). - Difficult to care about any of it. So overall, for me, it was a weak movie. It reminded me what a great director John Carpenter was, because this is no where near as good as The Thing.

[@zoso8thegreat]

Really surprised Mark didn't mention '2001' as an influence. From the sound design, to the marvelous and ambiguous final sequence, cinematically I couldn't see a bigger influence. And it's very special for 'Annihilation' to come out in 2018, 50 years later.

[@meisterlymanu5214]

Everything stems from 2001 and Kermode has admitted it. It all starts there, for every single sci fi movie.

[@MetalstarX]

I was fortunate enough to see this in the Theater and I'm so glad that I did! I thought about this movie for weeks after I saw it. It had great visuals, grotesquely beautiful they reminded me of HR Giger's work. The acting was great, the score was great, and as you state in your review the film is not afraid to ask big questions, and which is big with me, not afraid to NOT give you those answers on a silver platter. The movie reminded me a lot of Under the Skin and I hope that more Sci-Fi movies will have this tone in the future!

[@alienanxiety]

This film felt very much like Stalker and The Thing as directed by David Cronenberg. I loved it.

[@kirkwarburton2277]

Except you could work out what the hell happened and why in The Thing, which is my favourite sci-fI horror of all time.

[@lazycalm41]

I thought it was highly original & I enjoyed it a lot like you Mark. I am also totally in agreement with you re: Sunshine!! I was one of the few it seems who saw Sunshine on the big screen & I loved it. Danny Boyle has said in interviews that no one went to see it when it was released which is a real shame. I think Sunshine is one of those films that cries out for viewing in a proper cinema.

[@simonfarrell6585]

Watched this last night. Bit slow to start with but quickly turned into a highly enjoyable & intelligent Sci Fi movie with some really disturbing moments, thoroughly enjoyed it

[@simonfarrell6585]

Redresseny yes really like Oscar

[@nigelcarren]

Hello Simon, you say 'disturbing' moments', I guess you mean that screaming mutant 'thing'... damn, that was disturbing. In fact, some of this did remind me of The Thing, which is high praise indeed.

[@nigelcarren]

I used to suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, and funny thing is, when I saw that, I imagined that is what it looked like. Seeing this helped believe it or not. (insert laughing emoji)

[@jessefriesen9121]

I just wish this film were popular enough for the studio to tap Garland to make the rest of the trilogy, I firmly believe The Southern Reach by Vandermeer is the most original, beautiful, and unsettling sci fi trilogies to be written in my lifetime.

[@redabdab]

Lovely nod to “Stalker” in the closeup of the flowing stream with the reeds and fish

[@johnPaul-qn3dg]

I loved this and I wish I had seen it on the big screen, but in saying that, I had this as well as Mute on one of the Snowbound days and this double bill was perfect for my cabin fever.

[@Frellyouall]

I wasn't fussed on this film.

[@JuniorD1975]

Loved this movie. I got a ‘Under The Skin’ vibe. Had that eeerie weird feeling to it 👍

[@myopenmind527]

Love this movie. The visuals, the story, the ambiguity, the music all suck you in. Nothing is over explained. It makes you think. It leaves you thinking. I wish there were more movies like this. Sadly I too would have preferred to watch it on the big screen. Perhaps some cinema will take a chance and give it a screening.

[@imsomeoneyouknow]

love this channel but i have to ask, why are the videos so low in quality? i mean, its a film criticism channel so one would think... just saying it would help

[@TheDisKit]

This reminded me of Solaris so much. The Shimmer felt like the whole planet itself, and the whole 'mirroring' theme, too.

[@loto5919]

It's so much more like Tarkovsky's Stalker. Almost a rip off.

[@redabdab]

Agree that there are Solaris like elements. For me, it was more like Stalker. But clearly Tarkovsky influenced for sure.

[@52BLUE]

went straight onto google after watching to see if i was on point with "getting it", found out it's about cancer. Blew my mind. Great film. The soundtrack and use of sound had the hair on the back of my neck all fluffed up.

[@blackphillip8234]

Wish this had gone to theatres, I would of loved to have seen that third act in a cinema

[@totallyskint5899]

Dare I say it... But in a way it reminded me of Under The Skin .Maybe it was the pace and that the viewer has to think as to what was happening .I think this is a film that will age well.

[@hellokintu]

The sound design and soundtrack were fantastic. It was a fantastic experience in theaters.

[@TheGoldSwordSquad]

There seems to be a lot of science fiction films this year that have gone straight to Netflix. Mute, cloverfield, Anhialition.

[@blackphillip8234]

Annihilation is the only one that is any good though

[@DrSeuss-nw3px]

Brilliant and The Titan

[@Josh-od9gn]

Yeah but Annihilation is actually good tho

[@megamoviez]

Brilliant And Annihilation is better than any of those

[@timothyw98]

Cloverfield Paradoux was just rubbish bonkers.

[@mrchuffy6535]

Why for a review channel of some quality have such bad audio levels, Im constantly turning clips up and down, can you not get it right ?

[@paladinbob1236]

I did find this film well done , although I did have to read about the ending to some degree...I think it might be based of somebodies books? In which case , there must be a lot of stuff which is perhaps not explained.........Although killing this massively powerful alien at the end did seem a little easy [although there is more behind that than its seems :D], it did however make the ending rather weak [until I researched a little :D]

[@thatllputmarzipaninyourpie3117]

I really enjoyed it. Gonna take a few more viewings over the years for me to decide if it's a great film. I know now it's a good one though.

[@min-kyookim8258]

Bit of a Hail Mary this, but, has anyone else seen the Korean horror film 'R-point' and thought there were a lot of similarities? Both excellent films, of course (and I know that Annihilation is an adaptation)

[@SleepyBoi_9000]

Adore this movie, was absolutely mesmerized while watching it.

[@sambam007]

Kermode is right needs to be seen on a big screen. More and more theatrical releases will go straight to Netflix is some regions. This movie looks amazing on projection.

[@woganjones2012]

Blair Witch for the scientific community. Very gory. Reminded me of Jacob’s Ladder at times. Ending was predictable but well done. A nicely crafted film.

[@ultra7021]

Stalker being one of my favorite film ever and Arrival my favorite film in recent years, how can I seem to be one of the very few ones who disliked it ? I could do an equally long review of all the things that got me out of it very early on

[@jayr7965]

Well the movie is very similar thematically AND visually. I agree Stalker is much better. Have you read the book Stalker is based on, "Roadside Picnic"? It is also really good, a different take on the same themes.

[@AnalogueDad]

Blade Runner 2049 reminded me a lot of the visuals of Stalker.

[@twyckoff87]

It just reminded me of how good stalker was which was cool.

[@AndyVillin]

I thought it had a lot of Tarkovsky's Stalker too, right down to ripping a shot pretty much directly from that film

[@SykeMediaTV]

The screenshot used in the video .. is what the all female Ghostbusters 'should have been! :)

[@nickatlas1095]

This felt a lot like Roadside Picnic (and the movie Stalker).

[@TempusFugit78]

One problem with streaming services is that they are already becoming oversaturated. On my Netflix home page, that they just put up 97 titles this week. If you also subscribe to Hulu and Amazon, it's even more. I love that even the smallest of films can get distribution, but will anyone even see them?

[@joelkeane3160]

This is a very generous review from Mark.

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

I really enjoyed this film. I would definitely recommend It. It had something very strange and involving about it. One of the more satisfying SciFi films somehow.

[@douglasdea637]

I enjoyed this film but much of it doesn't make much sense. You can ask all sorts of basic questions about the scenario: how come, after 3+ years of studying this Shimmer that they still know nothing about it, or what's inside? Did they try this, did they try that? The Shimmer is pretty large, why hasn't news about it spread out to the world? (The old "chemical accident" story only goes so far.) What powers the Shimmer? We never actually see anything which would be creating it. Why hasn't any mutated creatures walked out of it? On and on... Nothing is really explained and that is frustrating.

[@Venserql]

One of the rare movies I wanted to see in cinema isn't getting cinema release. Great.

[@Sektion9]

Seen it twice in the theater. One of the best sci-fi films this decade. Can't wait to see what Garland makes next.

[@maxbendorffe7582]

The film really makes you think and despite the obvious nods to other films I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The performances and whole mood of the film was creepy I liked it

[@holdthatthought1]

This film was refreshing and I anticipate a good audience response in its future. But with its split US theatre and Europe Netflix release, Mark would this be allowed the title of a cult film if it is a future success. Has the ‘shimmer’ changed the movie industry?

[@shalashaskalives]

I thought Kermode was straining to appreciate this. Very ambitious piece of work from a terrific writer/ director but the story falls apart in the second half and the ending was weak. The concept was superb, unfortunately they just weren't sure where to go with it imo. It's a real shame, it could have been wonderful. Kermode's comparison to Stalker was interesting. I think if they had followed a similar line and avoided the need to establish a sentience, something more interesting could have been done.

[@kenchun24]

As a yank I did get to see Annihilation on the big screen like Garland wanted, I read the first 2 books of the Southern Reach trilogy, Garland's film is different in a more dreadful way, I totally dug this hard sci-fi, sort of sweet nihilistic (with body horror) movie. That final 20mins of almost no dialogue, pure audio/visual storytelling (ala 2001's last act) was definitely meant for in cinema, not Netflix, IMHO. Annihilation and Ready Player One are my faves of 2018 so far.

[@evoste]

I enjoyed it for the spectacle, the actual science and narrative I thought was weaker than Ex Machina in my opinion, an interesting visual film, that falls a little when you think about it. Natalie Portman was great in this, without her it would not have been half as good.

[@anonymes2884]

Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel about it (after one viewing anyway). Thematically more ambitious than Ex Machina IMO - you can unpack it almost ad infinitum, kind of like the variety and complexity of life itself - but less coherent (maybe as a result). No denying the visuals though, I see many film student dissertations in 'Annihilation's future ;).

[@sockatume]

The interesting thing about Garland’s use of science is that he often uses very fake movie science to say interesting things about the wider culture about science. So here for example you have DNA refraction (?!) but also that attitude that strange phenomena are morally neutral.

[@anonymes2884]

sockatume Yeah, good point, Garland's not trying to teach us genetics or cancer biology but there's stuff in there about science and scientists (you could almost view it as a defence of accepting facts regardless of how unpalatable they are, which is obviously pretty timely). That said, for me 'Annihilation' isn't entirely successful there either - Tessa Thompson's physicist doesn't ring anywhere near as true for me as Cillian Murphy's Capa from 'Sunshine' for instance.

[@evoste]

I agree with you and that was kind of my point, I just thought the mechanics of Ex Machina was more grounded and posed legitimate questions, this film did take more risks as Mark stated, and I enjoyed it for what it was.

[@solidzdar467]

I really loved the film, my favorite of the year.

[@TomTomTom87]

Everyone was crying "omg female ghostbusters movie...strong wahman!!!" and then this movie, with an actual all-female lead is made, and no one cares...

[@tobyhart]

Isn't Paddy Consodyne a rice-based medication?

[@eubique]

The thing (ahem) I've realised about Alex Garland is that he's a cheesy pseud, and that's fine, that's a good thing in a writer of high concept b-movies. The cheesy conceit here is that the film itself is an example of what's going on in the film, it recombines "DNA" from a load of other films, most obviously Stalker & Solaris, but also quotes from Carpenter's The Thing, Existenz (rather on the nose with JJL being present) and a load more I can't be bothered to remember. It's a bit "do you see?" but sod it, enjoy the fromage.

[@WTomMeier]

Agree

[@yakuza01]

Very good film. Yes, the slower pace didn't bother me and was much appreciated. Not an all out horror film but it has some very unsettling and memorable moments in the second half.

[@covfox]

Has a bit of the The Ruins (2008) about it.

[@mikepanick9362]

covfox No need for insults

[@chanceie12]

Mike Panick the Ruins is great

[@paulkielty8385]

Yes! Sunshine is a genius movie!

[@jl.7739]

I was excited to see this Movie but unfortunately it was a let down. It took itself very seriously and set itself up as a "realistic" Approach at a what-if Scenario. But that didn't work at all since the Scientists handeled pretty much every Part of it really dumb. Maybe i missed the Part where they said, that you can't walk back out of the Shimmer as simply as you walk in. If that's the Case i take everything back. But if that isn't the Case they acted really stupid. No bio Suits. No Samples were ever taken from right behind the Shimmer? No Analysis on the Shimmer itself? No animals ever exited the Shimmer, like Birds? No Instruments were set up right behind the Shimmer? It felt too constructed.

[@daim87]

Love this movie

[@Pinbacker87]

One of the top 3 science fiction films of the last decade. Very hypnotic throughout, with the repetitive musical tones and interesting take on what actually alien life would be. 100%

[@danharvey1041]

Watched this last night, very good film.

[@smoozerish]

Simply brilliant movie

[@10tacle21]

Very similar vibe to the fantastic anime series 'Made in Abyss', would thoroughly recommend both of them

[@joshua3008]

I saw it twice in the cinema its fantastic

[@stockton350]

The book was very different and better, but still enjoyed the film for the most part.

[@TheSpotlessMind93]

It is VERY different. I don't imagine I'll ever watch a movie as different from its source material as this. It's like Garland read the summary on the book cover and based the movie solely on that. I love both, having seen the movie first. Both are amazing experiences in their own way.

[@stockton350]

supermeerkat The book is told from her perspective and begins immediately as they enter the shimmer. What happened earlier is told in flashback as they slowly journey inward. Much of the book deals with what they can and can't believe, whether it's the world around them (that's playing with their mind) or their teammates. It's the psychological element that makes the book stand out, but that doesn't come through as much in the film. I heard the director hadn't read the book. I wonder if the movie would have been better if he had, more of a psychological thriller maybe, rather than what's essential a stylistic horror movie. I would recommend the book. But I'd watch the film first if you haven't yet experienced either one.

[@CorbCorbin]

stockton350 I agree, except I didn't like the hypnotic suggestion, seeming to work like magic, in the first book. But the differences in how each character sees and really experiences the shimmer was really cool, in the book.

[@stockton350]

CorbCorbin oh man, I actually liked the hypnotic suggestion. At the very least it gives the rationale behind the title.

[@CorbCorbin]

stockton350 I haven't started the second book yet. It nearly kept me from seeing the film, but I was too intrigued not to. I don't think the hypnotism would've worked in the film, or many would've dismissed it as too easy a device, but he changed so much it didn't matter. My problem with the hypnotism is more personal, than the book suffering much because of it. Things are explained, quite well enough, that it didn't bother me after the first third or so. I'm planning to start book two this weekend.....very anxiously.

[@quarantees8736]

Love this film

[@flaggerify]

He’s far too generous with it. I found it run of the mill despite some cool visuals.

[@JeansiByxan]

It borrows a little heavily from Solaris and other films imo. It's still good, but its originality lies in its visuals more than the actual story.

[@tigermunky]

Agreed. It's pretty much a mash up of Stalker and Solaris. I love both Stalker and Solaris. I love slow, intelligent films. But for me, I found this film disappointing. The characters didn't feel believable, the dialogue and acting was patchy in places. I was bored.

[@redmed10]

she was standing right next to me and now shes gone. you use horror movie tropes and you will get judged as a horror movie.

[@jl.7739]

AMEN! That Scene was so stupid.

[@welshmikeable]

I watch movies on Gear VR. Can't fault it.

[@alexgarrett5683]

I loved it! And man that soundtrack was amazing, especially in the third act with the alien. Top movie, would recommend.

[@megamoviez]

Sergeant McFiddlesticks It's my favorite film of the year so far

[@jodanchudan]

Agreed. Liked this track: itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-mark-interlude/666376419?i=666376480

[@timothyw98]

The soundtrack at the lighthouse was hypnotic

[@_CoasterNinja]

Getting the score when it's released for sure.

[@Fredreegz]

The track at the end is called Annihilation by Moderat.

[@LeroyKinkade]

Amazing Film.

[@andrewdeen1]

movie of the year so far

[@gage6209]

The safest film director of the last 40 years.

[@LucavanGrinsven]

just read the books

[@GoldenGyroBalls]

Great film. Much better than Ex Machina thanks to better characters and pacing. Plus how it goes all out weird at the end is just something to behold, especially in the cinema (sorry you guys in the UK).

[@nickw2704]

Julia Roberts, played by Natalie Portman

[@megamoviez]

Best movie of the year so far! I got to watch it in the theater and I really wish it released everywhere in Cinemas! Just a superb big screen experience!

[@keretaman]

I like this movie but just very annoyed by the various interpretations of it.

[@tiredgardener]

The main issue with high concept sci-fi is that it usually translates to film very badly, and ends up looking comical. Annihilation is a prime example of this. Some can pull it off, Arrival being one of the most refreshing high concept sci-fi films in recent years. (Spoilers) The end felt like it has morphed into a bad 90's dance video complete with an over use of fracturals. I understood what it was trying to achieve, but the visual element eroded the impact till it became farcical.

[@zachthornton8337]

I really enjoyed the final act in Annihilation and thought it made the film as well as being visually stunning. Arrival was a great film also but the ending felt very neat and tidy. It left the viewer with little scope to explore the philosophical questions raised by the film because it was so neatly packaged.

[@BlackfeatherAlexander]

5:00 accidental Neil Degrasse Tyson.

[@dad_jokes_4ever226]

The three books were even weirder

[@Fredreegz]

Just watched it and had mixed feelings. The scientific concepts made for a really compelling, interesting premise, and the visuals were just absolutely fantastic. But the human side just let it down for me; some fairly mediocre character writing, dialogue, two dimensional characters and vague/contrived motivations. Sometimes find this is the way with speculative fiction; the sci-fi/magic concept is fascinating, but the humans aren’t written that well.

[@LousySob]

Was the therapist lady supposed to act that bad?

[@MyLuggage12345]

Film was 'meh.' Weird does not equal intelligent. It was most definitely visually stunning, but that's all really. I was excited because I heard early talk about how it was scientifically sophisticated, and perhaps people without decent knowledge of biology wouldn't 'get it,' but as a biologist myself, it didn't impress at all - it was the same bio-fantasy that permeates much of Hollywood.

[@893loses]

The whole point is that it doesn't make sense, it's completely unknowable, the biology stuff is just something tangible for viewers to grasp, it's brilliant in that regard

[@geoffearly104]

Science FICTION

[@M3Lucky]

The movie is not meant to be scientifically dissected and analysed like Interstellar. You are missing the point of the film.

[@Crispman_777]

I hope it gets a sequel. The end scene with their eyes was interesting (plus there's apparently 2 more books in the series to be adapted).

[@mikejohnston8275]

Crispman 777 I understand the man behind the fun decided it would be a stand alone film, I've not read the books but from what I've read this film version has been edited to include bits from the books that take place after these events. With that I don't know if we'll get a sequal.

[@no_genius]

Mike Johnston no, the film only really covers the events of the first book, with significant differences. The protagonist of the second film interviews her I guess, but in the film it's just a framing device.

[@mikejohnston8275]

athorist ah right I see, well I'll be tuning in if we get a sequal

[@Quote-Unquote.]

Natalie Portman Jennifer Leigh, great actors. This movie was awesome, and underrated. The studios didn't put enough effort into promotion.

[@1spitfirepilot]

The film tried, but in the end failed. Too much reliance on CGI and general collapse into incoherence.

[@samgyupsal7280]

i thought it was garbage. Good art design and main concepts, but rubbish characters and plot. Nothing makes sense. You get attacked by a huge killer croc and decide to go for a light paddle in the water. You sleep in a tower, a vantage point, and decide to set a nightwatch at ground level. Night vision goggles work under a floodlight. You leave your supply bag on a wet beach, near the tide............

[@ajkelvin]

there are moments in this film that can only be appreciated in theatre

[@danielwipert9853]

The connection to Sunshine is very apt. Like that film, Annihilation starts out strong and builds in intensity only to collapse in a bout a narrative vertigo. I like filmmakers who take chances. I like studios that allow them to take chances. But there is a huge difference between giving free rein and letting the horse gallop off a cliff.

[@Sektion9]

Completely disagree. The horse rode the edge of the cliff through the entire journey, then mutated.

[@ggfffgggds]

❤️💯👌

[@kirkwarburton2277]

Promised much, interesting elements but the plot, minor events and major conclusions, made no sense. Tell the people!!

[@tobyhart]

Inhalation - the Bill Clinton Biopic

[@maxinecaulfield310]

It's Stalker for normies