Annihilation - The Art of Self-Destruction

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

What is your favorite science fiction film of all-time?

[@jon-umber]

2001: A Space Odyssey

[@762x69]

Alien and Aliens

[@utkarshed]

Her

[@BrutalSnuggles]

Hey Michael!!! I'm always so stoked to see your videos. And I'd probably say favorite sci-fi is still Terminator 2!

[@LoverboyMedia]

Annihilation is the real deal. Watched it for the third time last night and it's just unmatched in terms of tone and vision.

[@TMWriting]

The noises that bear makes are hands-down the most spine-chilling thing I've ever come across in a film. To hear a person's distorted screams coming out of the mouth of a monster... yikes.

[@GabrielFNPereira]

Not only that, to think that those screams were the last words of your friend, that his monster killed... It's awful

[@Yvaelle]

Reminds me of an early scene in Predator - where the Predator records the death cries of one of their squad, then replays them later as a distraction. Possibly a writer's reference, but definitely more spine chilling here.

[@kuzingatia7962]

I know, as disturbing as it was I couldn't look away. The idea reminded me a little bit of the Mutts in The Hunger Games - the book not the movie.

[@OlYables]

In the book (and the way inferior movie) “The Ruins”, a similar idea of duplication of a human sound is used to terrifying effect.

[@Cheezeblade]

Right? took me too long to realize it was just a fact of the bears biology to absorb the biology of the things around it. So her throat being ripped out by the bear, made her vocal chords duplicate into the bears face. As hoirrifying as this movie is nothing in it is evil. The most destructive force in the movie is one of innocence its jsut too powerful

[@guitarman0365]

this movie feels like the closest attempt at capturing lovecraftian horror. Just the design of the light orb, and mimmic scene just really gives me a feeling of otherwordly horror that you cannot even imagine. She does a good job of looking into while not showing any particular emotion other than she cannot even imagine what she is seeing. To feel like you are trully insignificant as part of the universe. Great movie. that score also greatly helps the ending as well.

[@unhelpfulrevelations7989]

Yes! The point of lovecraftian horror is that it's unknowable; chaotic. This is something that entertainment has such a hard time capturing. Something like the Mind Flayer from stranger things, which was intended to be lovecraftian, just feels... too... lawful.

[@georgeofhamilton]

Along those lines, I kinda wish that they made the alien bigger. It would've given a grander and intimidating feeling.

[@mcharbo8726]

I wonder about the word horror even. Is it horror if there is no obvious malevolence?

[@dmin5782]

@@mcharbo8726 Yes, it is. I think it is the same with phobias. You're just scared even if there's no actual danger

[@Uhohlisa]

If you like this go read Solaris. Don’t watch the films, read the book

[@DemonBoy3223]

*Trivia Fact:* One of the film's financiers, Paramount producer David Ellison, saw the film be *poorly received* at *test screening,* and concerned that the film was "too intellectual" and "too complicated", demanded changes to the film to make it appeal to a wider audience, which included making Portman's character more sympathetic and changing the ending. But producer Scott Rudin had *final cut privilege* on the film, and knowing he had a masterpiece in his hands, he chose to ignore Ellison's demands and side with Garland instead. This producer clashing was said to had been a contributing factor to the film not receiving a much-wider theatrical release and instead be released internationally on Netflix along with Paramount handling U.S. theatrical distribution, coinciding digital distribution with theatrical. Garland expressed disappointment over the decision, saying "We made the film for cinema."

[@DemonBoy3223]

This fact has proven to me that Hollywood should not always rely heavily on test-screenings to decide whether a film is success potential or not, as they concern a specific group of audiences who, in the end, may not know what exactly they want out of a film, and more faith should be put on the overall global audience that are gonna go and see the film. Examples where test-screenings "ruined" a potentially good film: _Blade Runner, Deadly Friend, Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, Hellraiser: Bloodline, I Am Legend_ (2007).

[@JonathanSmyth5]

Masterpiece? lol

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I will never get this test-screening bs. Just make the movie you want to make, and then release it. Seeing how it will be received by a wide audience is part of the deal.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

@@DemonBoy3223 Test screenings have saved a ton of movies, too, though. Believe me, I've seen it in my time in the industry

[@DemonBoy3223]

Yes they have, they did help save _X-Men: First Class_ and _Rogue One_ from possibly outright disaster, so it's not all bad news. *;)*

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

The movie with the scariest bear in film history. Another great work.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Truly the scariest bear. Thanks!

[@Hevvvyyy]

The revenant bear vs annihilations bear , fight

[@hootsifer-darling]

The stuff of actual nightmares

[@AirShark95]

Ok so here's the thing. As far as the actual shape of the bear goes, it is not all that terrifying for me. Is it disturbing? HELL YES, with the human skull spliced into the rotting bear skull. But what really scared the absolute shit out of me was the eye. THE FUCKING EYE! It pierced a primal part of my brain like a white hot sword. I swear I have never been so terrified in a movie.

[@locksmith898]

Damn Yao Guai, Almost makes you wish for a Nuclear Winter

[@egyguy7672]

Dude the bear screaming "help me" got to me

[@seb1520]

Same here. Holy fuck

[@Michformer]

It reminded me of the rabid bear in Condemned 2: Bloodshot. Good heavens, that sequence scared the livers out of me.

[@leociresi4292]

And, also, ‘Hhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeey! Oooooh myGoooooood!

[@HyphyJuice916]

Yeah I suddenly did not want to watch the movie with loud volume and in the dark. I had chills going down my spine. Great fucking scene 👌

[@michaelrodriguez5722]

Scarred and scared me

[@pearlmcj]

This movie was one of the most viscerally uncomfortable media experiences I’ve ever had. My friend and I saw it at a free screening at our university, and we were both speechless in the theater and the last ones to leave. We couldn’t stop talking about it on our half hour walk home. It’s by far one of my favorite films of the year, but I also don’t know if I ever want to watch it again because of HOW uncomfortable it made me. That’s not a bad thing per se, art should challenge us! I’m just a big wimp lol

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

I just saw it a couple of days ago. I loved every minute of it. Do you mind me asking exactly what scene or aspect made you so uncomfortable?

[@Evelyn-jq2pb]

I want to ask how was it uncomfortable?

[@pearlmcj]

Mainly the lighthouse scene. Just the sequence of seeing someone burst into a kind of beautiful light, then the alien as this weird primordial light, and then watching this terrifying being trap and almost suffocate Lena, only for it to be Lena trapping, and then obliterating, herself. And all the while the soundtrack is so barebones but constantly thrumming in the background, rearing to the foreground every time Lena or her clone gains an upper hand in their fight. I don’t really know how to describe it, so I’m sorry if this doesn’t make sense. I’m the sort of person who gets anxious looking at a vast night sky, because of the reminder that we’re in this universe that we’ll never fully understand. I think the movie as a whole gave me a similar feeling, of being stuck in a situation and out of control, and it just came to a head in the lighthouse. I’ve also struggled with depression and suicidal ideation for almost a decade now, so the main theme of humans always leaning towards self-destruction reeeeeally got to me. Sorry that got so long, I haven’t had a chance to really put my thoughts on about the movie in writing, so this turned into a thought dump. Again, by no means does this mean I didn’t like the movie. It was phenomenal, and I’m so sad I know only two people who have seen it. I just don’t know how long it’ll be before I’m in a good frame of mind to watch it again.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

@@pearlmcj Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really enjoyed reading your comment. I understand what you felt, even when my own feelings watching that scene were not the same. I get the anxious feeling you describe at times when I am in the ocean. I feel insignificant and that the immense mass of water is ready to swallow me at any time. ITs sacry and fascinating. I hope you can watch Annihilation again in the future and not feel bad, but enjoy it :)

[@pearlmcj]

Ricardo Morales hey man, thank you for being so thoughtful in your response! I’m glad my word dump made sense hahaha

[@icin235]

Hi Michael, I really enjoy your videos. I have a slightly different take on "Annihilation". This is the short version: I read it as a story about how different people deal with a "trauma" differently. A trauma is something you "go through" just like the shimmer. They refer to the shimmer as "a prism". When light goes through a prism, it is changed into something else. When humans go through a trauma, they are changed (mutated) into someone else (or sometimes they don't make it). Anya's trauma is alcoholism. She literally lets it consume her. Josie gives in to her depression. Ventress's trauma (cancer) is something she has no control over, so she dies. Lena's trauma is that she is self-destructive, she damaged her marriage by having an affair. She must face off with her self-destructive self and conquer herself in order to become a better person and move forward. At the end she is not the old Lena, she has grown, mutated, she is someone "new". I hope this sparks new ideas.

[@Kain9996]

That is also my interpretation of the Movie. It is also interesting that they are 5 scientists and there are 5 stages of trauma dealing

[@midgot]

Hey what's up guys, this explanation remembered me a lot of Folding Ideas's explanation about the metaphor in the movie, I didn't realize this metaphor at first glance, but after noticing it the movie got a lot better to me. All the details that lead to this interpretation are great when you notice and trace them back to the every character's plot with their traumas and how they surpasses (or not) their traumas and became "another person".

[@andressaldivar6669]

Alex Ranarivelo that theory feels too obvious and played out.

[@tcostisi]

That's how I interpreted it too, Alex, except I don't think it's Lena at the very end. I think we see the last stage of trauma: "acceptance." In fact, the scene in the lighthouse at the end [[SPOILERS]] made me think it was acceptance, where Lena's consciousness is exchanged with the alien's consciousness and Lena accepts her fate and takes the grenade from the alien and dies. Then the duplicate Kane and duplicate Lena -- who are really different aspects of the alien's consciousness -- are rejoined in the very last scene of the movie and are now ready to begin mutating humanity with their offspring as they explore what it means to be in this new form. Each character expresses their uncertainty over and over, and the only thing we ever learn about the alien is that it lacks motivation or want. I see it as taking on these two forms (Lena and Kane) in order to learn, duplicate, and grow.

[@mollyhunter6239]

I also had a different interpretation of the film's story. I thought the characters' various journeys reflected different ways of coming to terms with one's own death, but I like your analysis much more!

[@anujbeatles]

Hollywood, Twitter, Netflix -they all failed this film. This is, on paper, everything you want from a Blockbuster served on a platter, yet nobody supported it at all. I admire Garland for his indifference towards campaigning for the film, but having said that, Annihilation could easily be a frontrunner at the Oscars if given the backing.

[@KookiesNolly]

umm I don't know if you went to the cinema often this year but it's nothing like most blockbusters. Actually, I think many people who only watch blockbusters might not like it.

[@milleranna9813]

Jonathan Weiss preach!!! Agree 100%

[@cyco72]

this isn't a blockbuster, it's the opposite actually, a cerebral, slow paced and weird movie, i LOVED IT, one of my top 10 from 2018 and one of my favorite sci fi movies of the recent crop alongside with Arrival and Children of Men, but to be honest more people must have watched it because it's on Neflix than they would if it was released in theaters, sadly

[@DaftPunkSkittle]

I hate and love this movie. I think it could of won an Oscar or two. its definitely better then Roma (which isnt as good, has alot of flaws and politically toxic motivated). Netflex should of backed this film and done the same treatment that they did to Roma. I have the suspicion that they fucked up and learn from their mistake when pushing this movie. Thats why I think from the lesson learned they were able to make Roma enter the Oscars easily

[@Papada00]

Its because of the ending of this movie is not that great.

[@willschneider4616]

The tension in Annihilation is.... un-bear-able.

[@Hevvvyyy]

Shame

[@Ryoufriggingserious]

Ouch, that comment is gonna leave a mark.

[@hootsifer-darling]

Get oooout

[@skoomamuch356]

YYEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!(⌐■_■)

[@comsatteur6893]

this comment holds no bear-ing of importance whatsoever

[@anextlomara5981]

Annihilation genuinely unnerved me, I had read the first book in the series in preparation for the movie. And when I watched the movie, while my “book > movie” mind did act up, the movie, in my opinion, surpasses the (first) book. That video in the pool? That scene with the bear? And that end sequence in the lighthouse? Holy shit, it’s one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

It really has a lot of powerful, disturbing scenes.

[@tammysilverwolf1085]

I'd never read the book, but a lot of the themes resonated with me-- the pool scene was just. God. . . .but then the 'garden' scene where they figure out what's going on with the plant life really had me thinking. It's such a good film. One of my all time favorites.

[@fatim0nster]

If you liked the book and the movie I would recommend reading Roadside Picnic (1972) by Strugatsky Brothers. It's premise and theme is similar to Annihilation's - a mysterious zone aliens visited, anomalies and self-destruction.

[@陳潔明-w6y]

Even better than BR 2049?

[@frodothedodo]

Yellow Brick Road is another FREAKY movie that's kinda similar to Annihilation. A lower quality film but still interesting

[@DAOSullivan]

I love that you used the music from the film. One of the best scores of 2018 in my opinion.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Absolutely one of the best scores.

[@megamoviez]

I'm so glad it's on the shortlist for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards

[@DAOSullivan]

I didn't know that! That makes me very happy.

[@megamoviez]

@@DAOSullivan Me too. I hope it can pull off being one of the 5 nominees because it's deserving. It sucks it didn't make the shortlist for visual effects though which is just blasphemous.

[@DAOSullivan]

Yeah, it not getting recognition for Visual Effects just seems odd.

[@TedsCoasterChannel]

This movie is another great example, that the strongest kind of fear is the fear of the unknown. As H.P. Lovecraft said: 'The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear. And the oldest and strongest kind of fear, is fear of the unknown."

[@Papada00]

But it is not even scary.

[@nyft3352]

@Nicky G i believe the first part of the plot is a reimagination of the color out of space, which makes a lot of sense cosidering its... similarities. id like to think its heavily inspired and not just a ripped off idea, still the movie is great (didnt read the books).

[@nyft3352]

@Nicky G same, its really similar, yet different enough to not feel a ripoff, anyways, even if it were a ripoff its so well done that it wouldnt matter at all.

[@horizon92lee]

That final encounter is one of the most memorable scenes in film I’ve seen in years. The pounding of the sounds and odd look to the alien was so unique

[@TravisHouze]

I already like Annihilation, but this video made me like the film so much more.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:)

[@lucapeyrefitte6899]

Travis Houze ikr

[@SaltySparrow]

I love how ghostbusters was marketed about strong women and this had a cast of kickass women. Bought the shit out of it on bluray. Great film.

[@LoverboyMedia]

A man of taste

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

🍷

[@lucanreynolds947]

Indeed

[@micahsayler1173]

The both of you are gentlemen and scholars!

[@lucanreynolds947]

@Sian M in what ways is it flawed?

[@nathalie_w1425]

Annihilation somewhat reminded me of The Shining, not with like certain story plot points or anything like that, but the movie just unsettled me, in Michael's words, I felt like I was slowly going insane together with the main character. Also after watching the bear scene I had to watch a lot of cute animal videos

[@subroy7123]

It's actually marvelous how much Garland has grown as an artist between Ex Machina and Annihilation. This one is so much more driven by visual storytelling. Also David Ehrlich's 25 Best Movies video showing clips of Annihilation with Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence playing behind is my favorite mood of 2018.

[@ajawalkure]

still think Ex Machina was better though.

[@subroy7123]

@@ajawalkure The final, almost wordless sequence was pretty good. It's the dialogue driven scenes that I think are slightly less evolved in Ex Machina, staging-wise. Still a good film, of course.

[@rickg8015]

Sub Roy Don’t forget Garland’s Dredd.. His uncredited debut as a director.

[@mollyhunter6239]

I feel like it says a lot about him, though, as a storyteller that I kept thinking about Ex Machina throughout Annihilation. I didn't even known he directed both until reading this comment! Goes to show how distinctive his style is.

[@Garrett1240]

What about Sunshine, a Danny Boyle directed film written by Garland? Like Annihilation it has Garland’s take on Lovecraftian-horror all over it. I think Tarantino summarized everyone’s views who saw it by saying: “It was 3/4 of the best science fiction film I’d ever seen”.

[@sdk2146]

This movie is a masterpiece. The idea of us self-destructing is so interesting and eye-opening. Sticks with me long after the credits are over.

[@shailjanandjha2782]

Hereditary and Annihilation are my 2 favorite films of the year.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I'm too afraid to watch Hereditary.

[@stevenoviedo541]

@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay you absolutely have to. It's an amazing well crafted film with emotional depth.The fear will be surpass by the thematic execution of the film.

[@shailjanandjha2782]

Lessons from the Screenplay Yes, It's bone chillingly scary but the Ari Aster's craft as a director is something I am in awe of. There are images from that film that are etched in my mind and maybe will never leave me. Just like the image of the 3D Fractal and the score that accompanies it in the climax of Annihilation will never leave me. Also from a screenplay perspective, there are some deep, complex themed being explored in Hereditary. You might wanna watch the film for that.

[@lucanreynolds947]

Incredible taste!!!! My top 2 too.

[@DanielSelk]

Hereditary is how horror should work! Toni Collette herself said the director was the most prepared director ever, which is why the human stories and actions work so much!

[@Albanez39]

When the bear screams for help amidst the girls, my blood started boiling and all my hair stood up. I have never experienced such a (literal) thrill from any other film, not this powerful at least.

[@CurtWedin]

Annihilation is like a film version of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing. Grotesque, beautiful, traumatic, and freaking great.

[@jascrandom9855]

More like Lovecraft's Colors out of Space.

[@Freeak6]

I've seen this movie in a theater, and it's been a long time I've not been 'wow'-ed like that by a movie. It's beautiful, it's clever, it's disturbing. It's amazing. I also LOVED Ex-Machina from Garland.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Agreed! Really excited for all of Garland's work.

[@leociresi4292]

Mandelbulb animation of Alien death/rebirth anomaly

[@novahynes]

This movie reminded me of Tarkovsky's "Stalker" which I absolutely love. Both "Annihilation" and "Stalker" offer to live through an experience rather than tell a story. And both can be watched a thousand times over because each time the viewer is interpreting them through the "prism" of their present mental state that itself never stays the same. For me, it is a form of meditation.

[@denisolsem8418]

Good to know I'm not the only one who thought of that. I also felt a bit of Solaris too.

[@egnato1165]

Something people don't talk about is the music. Or, in a way, the *sound* of the music. Those synth noises during the climax, which clearly represent the alien, give it a multi-dimensional look at raises the tension beyond simple nervousness. And it's great

[@reyangeloimperio8278]

The score was absolutely amazing. Made the mimicking scene feel like a ballet. In a way, the music also feels alien beyond the sounds; the tempo is almost amorphous, and just when you think you've got the timing down, just when you think you might see what you're dealing with as familiar, it changes again, escaping what your mind can comprehend and scaring you on a level that scared our ancestors into staying in groups and staying sheltered at night.

[@jordansullivan5764]

The director nails why I love science fiction :) You get to explore big ideas in imagined circumstances.

[@ExhaustedPenguin]

Oh yes! One of my favorite movies this year. I didn't know how much I wanted to see this video in my sub feed

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

[@LoLorelando]

I still wish the distribution rights hadn't been sold to a streaming platform, I would have loved to see this movie on a big screen.

[@HopDances]

@@LoLorelando I saw it in theaters. I'm in the US tho so maybe it's a country difference?

[@LoLorelando]

​@@HopDances Apparently Canada, the US and China got the pleasure of seeing it in theaters. In Germany our only option was Netflix :/ It was still a great movie to watch though.

[@spiksplinter]

This movie makes my skin crawl, ... in a good way

[@leociresi4292]

Dipocles Hearing the bear growl, with the anguished cries of it’s victim, Shepherd, intertwined I it’s growls. Scary.

[@ellen3666]

“Mankind invented the atomic bomb, but no mouse would ever construct a mousetrap."

[@odin_191]

This video gave me MAD goosebumps when you started discussing the alien at the end of the film. That kind of thematic but vague stuff in films is my jam. They really get you scratching your head thinking about it, and I for one was holding my breath the entire time the alien was on screen. Love this film, and this video is great

[@Dolan.Lovendahl_Presents]

Annihilation was by far the best film of the year, incredibly intelligent and intriguing in every sense, seeing a breakdown of the screenplay here was absolutely wonderful, hell, this video could've easily pushed 20 minutes because there is SO MUCH to say about this dense screenplay

[@leociresi4292]

With the death of each animal, human, the alien returns to it’s cell division anomaly.

[@AlasdairGR]

Great video as always. Two things I’d like to add that I noticed when I first watched the film. It’s stated that the further into the shimmer they go and the closer they get to the lighthouse, the more severe and strange the mutations will become. The trees at the lighthouse are crystal-like, which to me implied that the Shimmer’s “DNA” or biological matter is merging with what humans would consider non-biological/inanimate matter. The trees are blurring the lines of what humans see as life and inanimate matter. I just thought that was a very cool detail and subtlety. And I love the very subtle thematic question at the end of the film when Lena and clone Kane are talking and hugging. They are asking each other whether they feel like they are the people they were before going into the Shimmer, which is almost a subtle way of asking whether they feel human. They don’t give definitive answers to their questions to each other, but then hug and accept each other. To me that was the movie asking the audience: “Does it matter that they’ve become something that ‘isn’t human’?” It’s almost confronting the narrow scope and mind that humans often have and making us face our existential dread, fear of change, and things that are different.

[@ThemMinePros]

I really hate how many people hate this movie, in my opinion it's one of the best sco-fi films of all time.

[@dwightschrute4560]

@Sian M "there are genuinely parts of this film." . . that what? Incomplete thought.

[@genghispecan]

@Turtle Headlyfe lol. Why do you care about the opinions of others when addressing a question of personal taste? You like it - others do not. So what? Do the perspectives of others affect what you find pleasing to the palate? Beautiful to the eye? Challenging to the intellect or delightful in temper? Of course not. Like what you like, extend others the same consideration and leave it at that.

[@eastvandb]

@Turtle HeadLyfe I'm with you. A stunning, ambiguous movie, not the usual hardware fetish.

[@tskmaster3837]

I really and truly hate this movie. Logical inconsistencies such as the easy amnesia so the group got lost at the beginning and just outright bad ending, not the last scene, the ending bit about the things that happened and happened and happened between the last few lines of dialogue. And the bear. "The most memorable scene of the film". It is what everyone can agree on which is somewhat unique for "good" science fiction... not only that their favorite scene is a horror scene but that people can agree of what the best scene is in the first place.

[@eastvandb]

The 'easy amnesia' is one of the most unsettling moments of the movie for me. It's not a logical inconsistency; it's at the heart of what makes the movie beautiful and disturbing. So, that's fine. You hate the movie. It didn't speak to you. But complaining that a lot of people liked a scene because it doesn't fit your narrow genre idea of SF isn't a critique. It's just your personal taste.

[@salemsaberhagen1570]

That bear was so terrifying!

[@franla3326]

I really was expecting you to talk about the tatoo the characters get when exposed to the Shimmer, as it is in its own way a story-telling feature. Anyway, great analysis of a great movie, as always.

[@thehokipoki]

I think you broke this down wonderfully! By far one of the most interesting movies I've watched. You have to watch it a couple times to catch the ideas it is presenting to you. The mutations in the movie are both beautiful and terrifying.

[@justind8586]

So glad the movie takes the time to explain everyone's self destructive tendencies in one scene. Wow so nuanced and beautifully done and not heavy handed at all. Characters with no depth. Flat performances. Plot holes. 10/10 movie.

[@kissmyasthma3155]

The bear from this movie will eat the bear from "The Revenant" for breakfast

[@russellmasc]

But then it would adapt the roars from that bear and this one wont sound that scary anymore

[@DeRien8]

Way scarier bear. But I kept thinking it was weird we only ever saw it maul people and remove face/neck parts. It didn't seem to actually be eating anyone.

[@vincentchavez2198]

That was a big mean scary bear too, and very fast! The only difference is that the Revenant bear was a natural beast, this Annihilation bear is a surreal beast.

[@leociresi4292]

Life in an alien soap bubble.

[@leociresi4292]

KissMyAsthma We Bare Bears was never the same ever since Grizz wandered into the shimmer

[@DjKunra]

The "Small Beans" podcast covered this. I really loved their take as they are film buffs and writers themselves and are deeply passionate. They basically say that the shimmer is a prism for trauma, and Annihilation in itself draws in the question of if we are doomed to be flawed at our most base components. Annihilation in scientific terminology, means to convert matter to energy, and nothing in this film suggests complete and utter destruction, but almost like conversion ... everything is melding into itself and being shaped by everything around it. It's a really fantastic metaphor for trauma. Great take, awesome movie. If you want a waaaaay more in depth and mind-opening explanation and interpretation, I'd suggest checking out "Small Beans". They really deserve love, they do amazing work.

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

This is an amazing film, and I'm really sad that it didn't perform better. I personally think Alex Garland is one of the most interesting talents out there right now, and I hope the financial failure of this film doesn't hurt his future prospects. He should be handed sacks full of money and allowed to do whatever he wants. On another note, I'm given to understand from this guy I know that watching this film under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms is amazing, and the film really feels like it reflects the experience; the sensation of ego death is reflected in the alien, which has no desires, and simply exists and changes. So I hear.

[@wecan_builda_tree6353]

Good god the first time I saw that bear scene I was shaken. It really put me in a sense of the uncanny valley. Twisting the human voice and form has always been unnerving or unsettling to me so that scene sent chills down my spine and really put the talent of the director in perspective for me.

[@smtucker0419]

I find twisting the human voice and form unnerving as well. I hate the commercials where they animate a baby's mouth to say un-baby things It is creepy

[@Raghy07]

My favorite film of the year. Of course you had to make a video. 😁

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Well, it's one of my favorites of the year too, so...of course I had to make a video :)

[@eastvandb]

Grateful to see the movie appreciated. Probably my favourite movie of the year as well.

[@itskelvinn]

I really appreciate the “respect” of this video. No click bait thumbnail. Simple title. No red circle, no all caps title. But what’s the purpose of the video? It literally feels like a summary of a movie I already watched. No analysis, no input, no interpretation or anything

[@TimeandMonotony]

Great book and movie! I was excited to see this in my feed, excellent video as always!

[@crieverytim]

watching this front row in a dolby theater was amazing. that mimic scene + soundtrack is unforgettable and unlike anything i can think of. this and hereditary... can't wait to see what these guys come up w next

[@HAL-vm3wn]

I'm so pissed that this movie was only released on Netflix in Europe

[@Arlae_Nova]

Only in Europe? So it isn't in America???

[@HAL-vm3wn]

+memyselfandY21 no, in Europe it wasn't in cinemas (well, maybe in some, but no actual wide release) and didn't come out on Blu Ray but instead went straight to Netflix

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:(

[@Arlae_Nova]

@@HAL-vm3wn ah okay, I thought it was a Netflix only film, because I didn't see it anywhere else. But after reading that, it makes sense.

[@lucapeyrefitte6899]

HAL 9000 I feel bad for you guys, if it was in the theater it would've been kinda full like even I first saw it

[@danielhance1467]

That scene with the bear was hands down one of the most suspenseful, fear inducing pieces of horror I've ever seen. It was such a simple presence, but it packed so much of a punch

[@popeyeswagbeans]

Nice video Michael, always can expect amazing videos from you

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you! :)

[@OranCollins]

FOUND IT!!!! the music in the background is : New Beat Instrumental 198: Die Hard "New Beat Instrumental 198: Die Hard - apex" this has been bugging me for about 6 months. hope that answers someones question PS: love the videos

[@Jamaha5]

This was on President Obama’s favorite movies of the year list.

[@FeebleBird903]

James Hawley I was surprised to see it there but that's pretty awesome.

[@i_dont_know_who_i_am69]

His list is surprisingly good

[@sjorshoeijmans5442]

Who cares what that war criminal watches.

[@miguelvidal2335]

I am not surprised for a man who likes The Wire. He has good taste:)

[@Alexandra-xk3gu]

Papa Chomsky Shhhh, it’s okay, dad can’t hurt you anymore.

[@nihilarv2303]

I still remember watching this movie high for the first time and feeling amazed how the beginning makes you feel so many emotions in such a short amount of time.

[@whatandwhere2815]

FINALLY! Been waiting for this one

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:)

[@cami1249]

I think the idea is so underrated. It can be applied to so many scenarios, the thought of self destruction and change. The movie really delivers; and the soundtrack is *insane* , it impacted me through and through.

[@sleeping885]

this movie was so good

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I really enjoyed it.

[@leociresi4292]

While I don’t do horror movies. This one intrigued me

[@micahsayler1173]

1) Incredible video essay for one incredible film!! 2) That bear still haunts me and I've only watched this movie once. 3) I am still patiently waiting for the day that you release video essays on The Incredibles, the newest Planet of the Apes trilogy, The Nice Guys, The Shawshank Redemption, Only The Brave, and a comparison video essay between The Disaster Artist and The Room!!!! 4) You are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@jmalmsten]

One thing I love about Garlands films is that he actually lets the ideas be the focus of the story. Pretty much any other director feels the need to make the central idea, the thing we came to see, take the back seat, as the focus is instead on a trite family story filled with nonsensical platitudes (looking at you, Nolan...) ... In Garlands films, the sci fi idea actually is explored without unnecessary sidetracking. It's actually focused on what we came to see. In a way it makes it a bit like the novels of Arthur C Clarke. The characters are there. But he's not that interested in them. They do their job. It's the concept that's the focus. The enigmatic moon sized cylinder that appeared, the sentient guiding computer on the way to Saturn. Etc.

[@Beatness121]

Totally agree, that's why Garland's one of my favorite directors despite not having a very large body of work yet.

[@Tzourosaur]

Honestly,i just saw the movie. And then, after a wild discussion about the ending with my friends,i went to youtube for an explanation. What i found was way better... Have a happy new year Michael and thank for all the content you created throughout 2018!

[@PepinsSpot]

The scene with the Man-bear-pig is one of the most unsettling thing I've seen.

[@steealconwyrick1999]

I learn something new about movies every day by watching your videos, not to mention how you taught me not to underestimate what can be told about film through the powers of a screenplay. Thank you so much for a great year.

[@TylerJxN]

Michael I dont know if you're gonna see this, but Im a huge fan from Athens Greece, I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, thanks for the awesome content! 💜🔥🔥

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thanks for watching! :D

[@mollyhunter6239]

When I watched Annihilation (which I did before viewing this video), I made it from the start to the beginning of the lighthouse scene. I was so uncomfortable I had to stop just before Lena crawls into the hole, and it took me almost two weeks to work up enough courage to go back and finish the movie from there, which I just did. I'm not the kind of person who, if I'm not enjoying a piece of media, forces myself to finish it, so this wasn't an act of masochism, but I also know that I couldn't explain why I felt so compelled to finish watching. Proof positive that it was an amazing piece of cinema and (science) fiction!

[@LetsFindOut1]

Beautifully done, man.

[@RingoLoadagain]

The film and the books are both brilliant, in different ways. They are different enough that you can't even really spoil yourself by experiencing one or the other. This film is one of my favorites of all time. There are so many layers and little things to catch

[@NaumRusomarov]

At first I strongly disliked this movie, but afterwards I couldn't stop thinking about it so I had to watch it again. The second time I didn't get any more answers than the first time, but it didn't feel like the film was bad. I still think about it sometimes.

[@revolvershalashaska1805]

Annihilation is such an experience! Both movie and book. And i love how different it is, and how it explores the same concept.

[@imroztowhid1284]

this movie's music is also out of the world! the one time, when acoustic guitar makes you fall in love with destruction, and be born again.

[@ErizotDread]

Don't get to the theater very often, but went and saw this, and was NOT disappointed. It was almost nostalgic how it felt watching it. Almost an old school movie feel, like how I felt watching movies when I was younger. I loved it!

[@sunnysumman1201]

Her or Ex Machina are my types of Sci-Fi!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

;)

[@AG-vk5or]

Very much agree.

[@michaelespeland]

Both are fantastic

[@blazinchalice]

Ex Machina and Annihilation both feature the talented Sonoya Mizuno

[@sunnysumman1201]

@@blazinchalice Alex Garland directed both films, so he must be a big fan of hers!

[@Beatness121]

I have watched this movie so many times and wrote a long research paper on it but I still come back for more. Easily my favorite movie of 2018.

[@MitchellD249]

Fantastic video as always! I definitely need to watch this movie again.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Mitchell!

[@1337HaxXx0r]

This movie was like a ride on a high dose of psychedelics. The meteor in the beginning like a strong hit you consumed and the realization that it is you and you are it, leaving you a different person coming back from the experience in the end.

[@Seemlypseudonym]

I dismissed this film as over cooked pap when I first saw it - I’m not sure you’ve totally changed my mind, but your perspective has certainly made me want to reassess my own. Great work as always.

[@downsjmmyjones101]

I absolutely hated it when I saw it in the theater. I still hate it but I think I've gained at least some appreciation for what it was trying to do.

[@Robbie107981159]

This has got to be one of the finest pieces of artwork that I have seen in a very long time.

[@jayfolk]

adapting the book from memory may alienate fans of the book for not tpuching on finer points or points they subjectively like more, however this method also helps differentiate why the project is new or different from others because the strongest memories of something are the ones you remember first, what it really spoke to you, helping an adaptation focus on that projects distinguishing characteristics.

[@leakedtrailersinc.6734]

The book is similar but in a whole new level. It was unsettling reading the book and I can't put my finger on why. So many themes, motifs, tension, etc. it was amazing.

[@mrsalwayslaughable]

Great video! I just watched black mirror bandersnatch and thought about your channel I think it would make a great topic for one of your videos.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I must check this out!

[@sigmabrent]

This is in my top 3 list of favorite LFTS essays! Please keep up the great work!

[@TheStanishStudios]

First Foldable Human, now you? Yum yum, double Annihilation entree 😃

[@TheStanishStudios]

Sidenote, highly recommend the book. It’s short- only about 200 pages! Some major differences, and surprising twists not present in the film.

[@synthetic240]

Annihilation was definitely my favorite film of 2018. I will grant that it's not for everyone; as a horror movie or a science fiction movie there are plenty of both elements on a conventional level, but not enough for most fans of either. As someone very familiar with cosmic horror tropes, however, this movie scared the hell out of me.

[@TheBrood525]

Happy early new year! Could you please do a video on Resovoir dogs?!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Happy early new year! I should see that again...

[@Sequaloid]

I just saw the film before watching this video and I am just blown away. How is this movie not getting the recognition it deserves

[@iv0rysh0es39]

One of the best films of the year. Also arguably the best technical work of the year. Phenomenal cinematography, score, effects. And lots of viewers slept on the whole self-destructive theme in favour of just focusing on the Body invasion.

[@thegreyinitiate3680]

I’m so glad I live in the US and got to see this one in a theater. It’s literally a mind blowing movie on its own, but the large screen, darkness, and the sound completely immersed me into it. Really ratcheted the tension up. Especially during the bear scene...... it still makes my skin crawl when I hear that scream it makes. Easily my favorite movie this year.

[@DanielSelk]

I thought this movie was pretty original and awesome. =)

[@camerontaylor7471]

Daniel Selk there’s nothing original about it... it’s literally just taking the ancient Egyptian culture and putting a modern perspective on it... hence the name ANNIHILATION... and why the alien figure looks like an Egyptian pharaohs mummy...

[@leociresi4292]

Daniel Selk Alien, Consider this your parting gift! Witness my ultimate form!

[@kaseyahlstrom9189]

My favorite part of all of these is how you segue to your sponsor. So smooth!

[@frishf8888]

I think everyone wants to see you dissect Black Mirror: Brandersnatch

[@intheclouds4453]

Yes! It was quite an unfamiliar and extraordinary experience

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Now that the video is done, I'll actually be able to watch it!

[@Hevvvyyy]

It could be a movie in theaters but its better off on netflix

[@Robotfan987]

@@Hevvvyyy How could you put anything interactive in theaters?

[@megamoviez]

@@Hevvvyyy How would it work in theaters

[@jbette]

7:04 ... how I love the musical score & this part/scene ... who knew destruction could be so remarkably beautiful

[@michaelwu7678]

Stalker by Andrei Tarkovsky influenced this film!

[@filmnobs9377]

Annihilation is a masterclass on how to make a great science fiction film. Enjoyed your video!

[@thebadg3r]

The Princess Bride please please please please pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ur awesome Michael

[@Conan_Obrien]

Annihilation was a cinematic ride I had never been on before. Saw it alone in the theater and it was stirring to say the least. I wanted to talk all about it but didn't really know what I wanted to say. Incoherent feelings mostly. Endorphin overload. It was an amazing experience. Thanks for taking me part of the way back Michael!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Alone in the theater sounds like an awesome way to experience this movie!

[@Numenor76]

Would you consider doing a video n Guy Ritchie's "Revolver"? Is it an underrated movie? Personally it's one of my all time favorites. Guy describes it as, "By its very nature it's an esoteric movie." and i tend to agree. As he says, it's not for the masses, kind of like Matrix or any Philip K. Dick book adaptation really. I think it's an interesting idea to explore in a video. Cheers!

[@pquarmearts]

Yes. I decided to rewatch this movie again today not as an action flick.

[@chlobe7870]

when I saw it I couldn't stop thinking that this movie was a 2018's version of Stalker, I was so surprised to see that it was an adaption from another book than the one by the Strougatski brothers, there were so many parallels

[@Screened]

I feel the movie could have been better. It managed to explore certain concepts of cosmic horror but then it didn't follow through with the ending. I did enjoy the visuals tho. Good video 👍

[@DylanLCutshall]

oh, you're one of those guys who didn't like Tenet because you keep expecting the next big huge perfect movie from Nolan.

[@questioneverything8904]

This movie is the best movie I've ever watched because.... it's just so deep. What does that mean? It goes deep into the human mind. Everytime you watch it you learn something new, about yourself or about life. And by far the most beautiful part of this film is that, you will never stop learning from this film.

[@Vince009]

Shawshank Redemption!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Definitely less spammy.

[@ScaryManiac]

You know...In your videos you talk a lot about how good some script is, but I must say. The scripts of your videos are equally good. There's not a single boring second in your videos. They're captivating! You know what you're talking about, because you are doing it yourself.

[@nicolashernandez7106]

Can you do an analysis of The Fountain, please?​

[@user-yf6hb8oj7w]

I liked Annihilation but it doesn’t really compare to The Fountain, if you loved The Fountain I encourage you to watch the tv show The OA, it’s an extraordinary experience

Great analysis ! The scene at the end when Lena meets the "Alien" (following Ventress's desintegration) is one of the most awesome science-fiction moment I have ever seen. The music, along with the strange, moving and fractal like liquid shape that is the Alien really resulted in a true unsettling and odly jaw-dropping scene.