Annihilation: Surrendering To Creation

Fear of the unknown. Beauty of the unknown. (This vid has flashing colors)
Support my work: / nathansartproject
paypal.me/Acol...
Twitter: / lightningwow
Assistant Directed by Phoebe Kuhlman. As always, she made this video a million times better in so many ways, big and small.
Voice of the biologist by Phoebe Kuhlman
Phoebe's Instagram: @phoebe_is_kuhl
More Acolytes of Horror:
How Midsommar Brainwashes You: • How Midsommar Brainwas...
The Lies Of The Lighthouse: • The Lies Of The Lighth...
Pre-Acolytes of Horror Video Essays:
Misery: Monsters Aren’t Always Mysterious: • Misery: Monsters Aren'...
Degenerate Art vs Hitler: • Degenerate Art vs Hitler
Darren Aronofsky: Horror as Greek Tragedy: • Darren Aronofsky: Horr...
The Night of the Hunter: Victims of Faith: • The Night of the Hunte...
SOURCES
Alex Garland; Annihilation
American Cinema Foundation; ACF Critic Series #06 Matt Zoller Seitz, Annihilation • ACF Critic Series #9 M...
Andrew Gaudion; ‘Annihilation’ Review: Dir. Alex Garland (2018) www.thehollywo...
Emily Yoshida; Annihilation is Flawed, but Unforgettably Mind-Bending www.vulture.co...
Folding Ideas; Annihilation and Decoding Metaphor • Annihilation and Decod...
Jeff VanderMeer; Annihilation
Lessons from the Screenplay; Annihilation - The Art of Self-Destruction • Annihilation - The Art...
Laura Miller; “Annihilation”: Doomed expedition into the unknown www.salon.com/...
Lydia Millet; In Jeff Vandermeer’s ‘Annihilation’, Fungal Fiction Grows On You www.latimes.co...
Planet Earth; Season 1, Episode 4 “Caves”
Richard Propes; “Annihilation” Demands Your Attention And Dares You To Look Away theindependent...
Stan Brakhage; Black Ice (1994)
Stan Brakhage; Comingled Containers (1997)
Stan Brakhage: Night Music (1986)
Simon Ings; Annihilation review - ‘You’ll find yourself afraid to turn the page’ www.theguardia...
UNIVERSE DOPE; Zooming Out From Earth 4K • Zooming out from Earth...
WE AND THE COLOR; Novae - Supernova Short Film by Thomas Vanz
MUSIC
Ambient Paradise, Ambience of Annihilation; • Video
Father / 아버지; Reflection • 아버지 : reflection
Father / 아버지; White Death • 아버지 : 흰색 죽음
Roy Montgomery; Scenes from the South Island • Roy Montgomery - Scene...
Terre Thaemlitz; Soil, “Aging Core, Aging Periphery” comatonse.band...

[@justanotherredheadattheend955]

Was expecting a great review, wasn’t expecting to be put into an altered state of consciousness

[@celeritas2-810]

Asmr too

[@Elisabethonline]

No literally all of his videos do this

[@raedgaj3878]

Lasted 2 mins then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Ok 3, I spent more time in comments.

[@glass4breakfast]

Fuck yeah, to be fair...u should have. Everything associated with the experience of this film and book is trippy as fuck.

[@tomasld]

Hahahaha completely accurate this message it express what I also feel

[@mah0817]

"She's someone who uses the scientific method as a kind of coping mechanism..." Hey, now. I did not come here to be attacked 😂

[@glass4breakfast]

Lol bs I don’t believe that’s even possible. Her character proves it.

[@Jeffrey314159]

There is no science in science fiction generally it's There is no science in science fiction generally it's just social allegory

[@silverhawkscape2677]

Cosmic horror in a nutshell where the scientific method is a coping Mechanism

[@Yashendwirh]

"Self revelation is the annihilation of the self"- The Addiction.

[@Yashendwirh]

@Bodie Dutch It is very underrepresented as a vampire film!

[@MisterSifuentes]

"You know nothing" - Christopher Walkens...

[@RardTangler]

The fate of destruction is also the joy of rebirth.

[@MisterSifuentes]

I finally saw The Addiction in HD! Only seen it on VHS. Brilliant flick!

[@glass4breakfast]

Not sure I can agree with that. It sounds like a subjective psychological truth not an imperial absolute scientific truth. So it can be true some but not all. Also what does that really mean? Why? Can’t self revaluation by the growth, the evolution, and fulfillment and validation of the self?

[@ru4realzzz]

the "pile of journals" is such a great horror concept. I wish more of that was in the movie, even though it was pretty good

[@juicyparsons]

SERIOUSLY. rotting under their own weight?! I'm shook

[@Veryy_Victoriaa]

I wanted to see the tower with the words and the crawler

[@DasGreenCow]

The concept reminds me of Peter Capaldi's best episode of Doctor Who, Heaven Sent. I'm not going to spoil the episode, but if you've seen it, you know.

[@AveryMMartin]

@@Veryy_VictoriaaI actually think the shift away from attempting to include those aspects and the liberal other departures from the book are a strength of the film. The trilogy at its core is concerned with transformation and mutation, adaptation and identification. So the film taking unabashedly clear departures, more like borrowing a genetic template than trying to 1:1 translate or clone the book, actually fits the central themes of change and in a meta sort of way exemplifies the severity of the work lending it a more credible mythos

[@GormTheElder]

"I wish I knew why Cassie's body doesn't get eaten" Because the Bear-imitation doesn't eat. It stalks and kills prey because it's made to imitate something that also does that, but without understanding the original purpose of it, same as when the Presence makes bushes that resemble people or trees out of glass. It replicates things, but it does do completely blind to the purpose of those original things.

[@synthdriver8817]

That's fucking horrifying. Didn't consider the prospect that the bear was a duplicate instead of heavily altered living bear. EDIT: I wonder if the reason why the bear is able to mimic human groaning and seems to have absorbed instead of eaten Casse is due to the way imitations created by the shimmer behave. The imitation probably killed the original bear that it was created from all being considered.

[@dejaporter7338]

@@synthdriver8817 the bear ripped out Cassie's throat where her vocal cords are y hasnt anyone suggested this 🤔🤷🏾‍♀

[@brucekendall9873]

@@dejaporter7338 bingo, dna binding

[@ReedBarlow_]

I agree with this assessment completely. However I wish the movie had gone the extra length to have her body be re-discovered as undigested but clearly at least partially consumed -- as if the bear was acting out what it would do to prey but without the biological parts (in our world's sense of the word) the actually break down and digest food. The book leaves a lot of hints about how the universe works that allow us to form fairly grounded (although sometimes paradoxical) theories, and I think the movie is slightly more contained, either obvious or so weird that it's sort of ungrounded. It leaves things open ended but there is less evidence beyond the conclusions the characters come to -- if anyone enjoys the theoretical/mysterious aspects of the movie, I implore you to read the book, as it is filled with that sort of imagery that is both enigmatic but a little like connecting a puzzle and conceptualizing how the otherworldly could change our world. The plot and characters come to certain conclusions, but you as the reader are also fed enough information to form your own separate theories, and this is something that made me really fall in love with the series. I enjoy that we play as our own characters/selves in understanding the mystery of the world, which is equally as intriguing as the characters that inhabit it.

[@mandymarie1073]

I have Always enjoyed sci-fi, thrillers, mysteries, and horror! I literally enjoy being creeped out and scared by a film and it’s pretty hard for a film to get me like that, But… this one! The bear scene is something that has stuck with me and always will! It is the most terrifying scene from a movie I have ever witnessed! The fact that the bear (which just so happens to be the one predator on earth I’m most fearful of) and Cass are one, where you see her jaw and her eye on one side of the creature’s face, and Especially hear her final screams from that thing killing her is Beyond Chilling! Even as full grown rational adult I couldn’t go to the bathroom after that scene, and found myself thinking about it for a couple days later! 😱🫣🫢

[@JD-ld1vk]

I saw this on a whim in theaters, completely unaware of what I was walking into, and by the end I walked out to my car and sat in silence for a good 15 minutes just, thinking about it. Such a stunning film and such a fantastic example of cosmic horror done right on the screen. I love your analysis, it hits the nail on the head imho.

[@snoozygames4291]

I got my metaphor for popcorn and my allegory of a couch all ready, can't wait for what I perceive as the premiere.

[@AcolytesOfHorror]

lol you get me

[@snakey973]

This movie scared me on a deep level- total cosmic dread

[@Jeffrey314159]

Cosmic horror you mean? Or Lovecraftian?

[@liabw05]

Naw dread! Whatever landed on earth will destroy it 😅

[@hunkyfunkyletsgetmonkey7464]

This video was honestly very therapeutic. Your soft voice was very hypnotic and relaxing and it went so well with the context of what you were talking about. brilliant analysis as always

[@juicyparsons]

he would explain the scariest shit with the quietest calmest deep vocal fry. lol it definitely added to the horror ambience

[@WesCoastPiano]

After your fantastic Lighthouse review I'll be first in line for this.

[@brandon9172]

obligatory "how did you comment that before the video was posted!!?!!"

[@michimatsch5862]

I can only afford a cheap seat.

[@samanthag8653]

Your response won this comment section!

[@josevigil4233]

I remember watching this film while struggling hard with my ego. I studied philosophy when I saw the movie, so I understood it as the existential anguish of losing yourself. I was angry because I believed that Area X had this sinister force and that annihilation had some moral sense. Thinking of self-harm or self-destruction as something natural to humans felt horrendous. I didn't know that self-preservation can be just as destructive. I wanted to survive (I mean my ego), and that desire was the reason for my suffering because I denied myself the opportunity to transform. I thought of death as the opposite of life, nothing devoid of being, everything without a purpose. I was sad and afraid and, I felt like falling into devouring darkness. Thankfully I have been experiencing a change of heart. Now I see that I am free (including of myself). I have the freedom to choose who I want to be. And that choice conveys the unknown. The reason why Christians believe God is creative is that He is free. Freedom and creation are analogous. Surrendering to creation means to give up oneself. I needed to give up who I thought I was to become free, to enter the mystery of being means not to know who we are. Unknowing oneself is an opportunity for creation, erratic movements that flow with absolute freedom from our hearts: our desires, feelings, and intuitions. I loved your video because it explains perfectly the meaning of the movie. Annihilation portrays that once we overcome destruction as an impulse of death (as it was when I wanted to protect my identity, same as the need to control in your explanation of the book) we allow it to be a natural part of life; destruction and creation become a whole. Death is a part of life, not it's opposite. To unknown who we are, provides life's meaning as we explore all possibilities, as we blissfully contemplate the mystery of Being.

[@cruddddddddddddddd]

I enjoyed this film, but Vandermeer's book was superior, imo. Vandermeer is an awesome writer. That hypnotism subplot involving the Psychologist was, for me, far creepier than anything in the film. To take someone's control away is very frightening. It gave me chills. City of Saints and Madmen is also a great collection by him--not quite horror, but at times horrifying. Vandermeer is the quintessential 'biopunk' writer. I've enjoyed your work--especially your views on the Nurse Ratched character. You're very good at getting right down to the essence of the themes you cover

[@BriarPatchNyra]

I agree

[@MisterSifuentes]

Alex Garland has a perverse obsession with the power of creation. It seems to be his recurring theme. Devs takes it to another level. One of my favs.

[@mylittlewhatnow]

Such an overlooked movie- so glad you're covering it

[@samanthag8653]

I'm honestly so sad that this movie didn't do better I really don't understand why it was truly horrifying in some parts and in other parts so beautiful

[@CarlErikSimonsen]

@@samanthag8653 It goes to show that the most transformative experiences can be either the most beautiful or the most terrifying. "To fathom Hell or soar angelic, take a pinch of psychedelic".

[@skrrtskrrt2410]

@@CarlErikSimonsen Or just take a bath

[@NewMessage]

The scariest bit of this is the Hank Green impression.

[@goylefriend]

Somewhere, Dan Olson breathes a sigh of relief.

[@ThisisnotTwitter]

His review of this film was really masterful and I have gone back to re-watch it multiple times.

[@headwyvern11]

essentially Annihilation is a story about accepting Shub Niggurath the chaotic force of life incarnate, understanding our limited scope and relevance to a larger scope of things.

[@maxw.2579]

Sure, if you want to call it that. The message, more of the book than of the movie imo is that the thunderous pulse of life is primordial and mysterious. Its hubris to think we are in any way above it or capable of even scratching the surface of understanding it, we arent even outside of it. We and all our messy emotions and complex theories and systems are a tiny drop in the chaotic torrent of nature. To stick with your imagery: humankind has to realize that our species is one of the thousand young of the black goat.

[@headwyvern11]

@@maxw.2579 Aww ty for that. I appreciate the elaboration and book perspective.

[@479sam]

oh, please do the Hannibal series! It's so rich and interesting. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdb]

I'm on board for a Blue Velvet video next year...if we still have time! Really though, I do like the idea.

[@GLENNACHEEMS]

oh that movie. it's impacted me so much, I absolutely adore it in an almost familial sense

[@robweissman5952]

Wow this dude sure does know how to make a video essay.. I almost just watch movies just to watch what AOH makes as a response.

[@lunarmagpie619]

Sandra Oh in Annihilation....... sir your mind......

[@shoua7]

The bear is always the first thing I think of when hear this movie's title. Hands down, scariest sci-fi creature ever put on screen. Excellent video, BTW!

[@KazuraBlaze]

So I was listening to this rather than watching, and man... The way the narration worms into your ear and arrests your attention is great.

[@luciddreamqueen812]

I accidentally caught the last half of this movie one day and couldn’t stop watching. I recorded it on the dvr later and watched it again. It was the exact kind of horror I could enjoy in that it’s not the physical fear of a threat but peeling open something too big for people to handle. I loved the movie when I saw it and I love your analysis of it and the additions of the books.

[@eggyyockio]

I love Annihilation, so glad you're covering it. You're making me want to read the books.

[@groofay]

You really should, the climax of the first book is dizzying.

[@hakimchulan]

Yesss

[@BriarPatchNyra]

Given that Indigenous and Asian actors are still largely ignored and miscast, I agree.

[@Jeffrey314159]

You are a troll for political correctness

[@ヴァリ-z3e]

@@Jeffrey314159 Please stop arguing against Twitter incompetently. They need to go and you make everyone's job harder. This is going to be a non sequitur but everyone reading this should google the phrase "10 signs you are in a cult"

[@PulpandArt]

Your videos inpired me so much I decided to make my own channel talking about movies and its just so much fun. Thank you for being an inspiration!!!

[@TheBeird]

I forget the line completely, but I think it goes something like 'my flesh flows like liquid.' Creeps me the fuck out. Great film

[@ulfingvar1]

One of the best films of the past 20 years. Hope it finds a bigger audience and finds its place among the classics, like Blade Runner did, for instance.

[@justinnutter9008]

"so many needing so much to communicate what amounted to so little" Why does that line stand out to me so much?

[@AoiLucine]

I'm glad I discovered your work! You've got a fantastic style and really soothing voice. Despite loving the concept of horror I can't easily handle horror movies just due to how my mind lingers on it for so long (it's really not mentally healthy for me, w-whoops) and how movies specifically affect me, but I adore the analysis of horror movies and games. Do you care for any horror games at all?

[@liabw05]

Same 😔

[@masterkeavenloveportalbrin7272]

What is my body, but a moving sculpture? The one who animates it is the infinite. Annihilation, is a movie, but it is also the duel the ego has with knowing it doesn't exist. The ego can only persist with conflict. Without conflict it dissolves into everything like a newborn who can't differentiate themselves apart from their mother or their surroundings (as they say). The movie, I think, is about the ego's fright knowing deep down inside it doesn't and never did exist. But infinite grace gives it the gift of allowing it to sing and dance and play as if it does. You were right when you said the movie is a much love as it is about fear. Giving love to this character we play even if in truth its not who we are.

[@elizahogan4704]

I saw this movie a few years ago when I was 12 or 13 (I am sixteen now, so whenever this movie came out is how old I was when I saw it, as I saw it in theathers). I had no idea what the movie was about, and I was just tagging along with my friend group who always just picked whichever movie was showing at a time that worked best for everyone. This movie was the scariest movie I had ever seen. It left me feeling so empty and confused. A true horror film will change how you feel about life.

[@claudiah.2935]

I was 20 when I saw it and I felt the exact same way!

[@mullaoslo]

This movie and color out of Space are the two movies who capture what a mushroom trip looks like most accurately ( kind of funny since they both tell a similar story) that wet damp look everything has in the shimmer is spot on for a trip

[@moondog548]

Content: Glorious. Sound Mix: Challenging to say the least

[@hotandslavic]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS. It feels eerily timed, as I'm currently ploughing my way through the third book and have become so... mesmerised by Area X that my life right now is just watching the film and reading the books. This was a fantastic video!

[@tienngothuy3540]

Psychology has a way to my heart. U nailed it with the suspended atmosphere and play of words which made tears coming out of my eyes and mouth blabbering along to the emotion of each character displayed. Thanks for sharing!

[@TempehLiberation]

“What can you do when your five senses are not enough? Because I still couldn’t truly see it here, any more than I had seen it under the microscope, and that’s what scared me the most. Why couldn’t I see it?” ― Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation

[@damiancantalini]

Dude, I find myself watching films you've covered just to hear your synopsis. I want to say thanks for that.

[@funty420]

These videos scare me. Thank you for the tone and atmosphere.

[@sarahdenison5019]

I haven't seen the movie, but I would definitely recommend the Annihilation/ Southern Reach Trilogy. I read all three this summer outside and I was creeped out in broad daylight. Hearing birds and the wind in the leaves really added to my reading experience. It connected me to the book in a way. Anywho great video, keep them coming!

[@potatozinc]

How would you review the other 2 books? Of the same insightful caliber? Also, @Acolytes of Horror I would really love if you reviewed the whole trilogy like you did this movie and first book!

[@sarahdenison5019]

@@potatozinc I do not think the other two are as strong as the first. But, that being said, I think that the online reviews for the other two are a little harsh. I had no problem with picking up these two and finishing them. I definitely think that you should read them if you read the first. The last one has more of the same atmosphere as the first with the second being slightly different.

[@fireant353]

"if God didn't want us to make peace with emptiness God wouldn't be so quiet" what a bombshell intro line Holy moly

[@alys265]

The music is SO loud, man. I can't understand what you're saying. It's taking all my concentration.

[@-chippedstars-2889]

This movie, and the book as well, have stuck with me since I first experienced them in a way I really can't define. They're horrifying but they're also beautiful in the rawest way.

[@sr6826]

NBC Hannibal! Please do Hannibal. It's so beautiful and so many film/horror creators say they love it and how unique it is, there aren't a ton of high-quality video essays on it. Though, I know it's harder to tackle shows rather than films in depth. Oh, and Senator, just one more thing: love your suit. B-)

[@lukelambert78]

I'm a huge scifi and then horror fan, and not appreciating annihilation like so many others had me confused for years. your video essay really made why this movie is wonderful into words that I finally comprehended. I was so focused on the hard scifi and plot side of the movie I lost sight of the more conceptual side. great video!

[@amakerwitch]

Oh please please do The Love Witch. One of my favorite favorite movies from the last decade. Would really love your take on it. Thanks for doing this, I haven’t actually seen this movie, and actually hadn’t even heard of it prior to watching this tonight. And thanks for the video recommendations at the end, that’s really cool.

[@isnanesavant]

can i just say, i love the audio mixing having that shoegaze feel of being smothered by the dolcent and creepy but overall pleasing to my ears audio, with your interesting conversation and examination of things fits annihilation perfectly :)

[@missgingerlime]

This is one of my favorite films. Thank you for this review.

[@ishaantiwari]

Found you through the Lighthouse video, amazing work man your channel is definitely one to watch out for. Your future projects all sound exciting, my inclination would be towards getting to watch the David Lynch video first but I'll be watching anything you drop. Cheers.

[@Taco1011]

Annihilation was (and still is) one of my favorite science fiction movies.

[@heauxmade1456]

The birth of a humanoid scene is one of the most trippy, awesome scenes that I sometimes like to watch when I’m high.

[@musicarchives2271]

love the deathdream music selection, it really adds to the whole aesthetic of the movie

[@funkystudent8577]

Dude I watched this shit in the theaters with one of my buddies and I was truly confused, glad you covered this

[@thehand7902]

The Folding Ideas vid on Annihilation is really good too

[@funkystudent8577]

@@thehand7902 ooh I'll have to check that one one out

[@obiwanpez]

I came here to watch this again, and wow, the audio at the beginning is overwhelming, similar to the ambient soundtrack of "The Invincible" game.

[@Georgi_al7]

I really loved this video, in my experience the changes in the audio reminded me of how I felt when I watched the movie, so I thought it was on purpose 😅 I'm quite excited for your next videos (as always)

[@gracecampbell4556]

Another suggestion for future video: The Girl on The Train

[@catbfs]

i feel so spoiled watching your vids 😭 first midsommar, the lighthouse and now this!! annihilation is my absolute FAVORITE horror film, possibly my favorite film ever just in general. this video was so beautiful and really moving, really generated a lot of the same feelings i had when watching the film for the first time. Also got very excited at the idea of you covering the Hannibal series at the end of this vid! Another big fav of mine.

[@chunkyrat7819]

wow another great video!! i thought your "the lighthouse" video was your magnum opus but wow this was really great!! really excited for your next videos and good luck on your big move

[@discodetectiive]

your video essays are always a joy, and this one seems to be no different! amazing work!

[@moirreym8611]

I was late but found the time to watch it. Great video as always. Music, in the beginning, is a great choice too.

[@ProMatild]

I may sound stupid, but your videos have helped me to get through my melancholia. Thank you.

[@fairiewinterbee]

it only makes sense to me that this is simply ego death . the ego is the separation of self, how you feel about your "self" as in the separate self. but finding your true self is realizing you are not separate, you are everything and everything is you.

[@达努佳]

Hi just a suggestion could you lower the background music. Its totally overpowering your soft soothing voice.

[@coralswank1479]

Thankful YT had your channel in my suggested videos, you've gained a new subscriber!

[@lizsatory]

I got the book the movie was based on thanks to this video. Thanks for the great content!

[@claytoncarl4926]

Really wish I could hear you over the deafening background music.

[@tylerlazarus2126]

This is such a great video. I’ve come back to this video so many times, a lot of the time it’s when I’m feeling down or just in a weird place mentally but man... I love your analogy with the worms.

[@anastasx_]

This was excellent and you were able to put into words some of the thought and feelings I had while watching the movie that I wasn't able to vocalize. Annihilation is one of my favourite movies of recent years! You definitely made me interested in reading to books as well.

[@MOsesIcan]

All I can say is ... “more please” ...your material is brilliant, I can’t wait to see what more comes from this well

[@jessi2077]

who’s reading the book passages? either her voice or the way the audio is makes it jarring

[@_wvo]

at first it's fine, but i think it's the quality of the later recordings that's so jarring? it just doesn't fit the flow and timbre of the rest of the video imo

[@ceIIardoor]

Yeah it's an awful recording, plus I don't like how she reads it...too robotic.

[@PedanticPig]

I thought it was perfect. The quality and voice made it sound like an old audio log he'd found, that fit seamlessly into the mood of the film.

[@fiachnaaddams6687]

one of my roleplay buddies described it to me as "Feywild: The Movie" which, 1) is what made me want to see it and 2) yeah, pretty apt i think.

[@stefanie4620]

Letting go of having to know everything. An attitude I am being guided to adopt

[@falconparadise]

Great video! Annihilation is one of my favorite movies. I love your interpretation and the way you cut everything together was super informative and entertaining.

[@dr.slowdeath1852]

I always interpreted the movie as a bit of a psychedelic trip. It contains all those elements that a trip does. From the slow immersion in the experience to the chaotic and brutal decline of self, that ultimately has something to tell you about this "control" we so desperately need over everything. Edit: And very similarly, it starts to make sense in a very idiosyncratic way, only after you've let go of everything and you're ready to listen.

[@marystuartmurray6122]

I read Annihilation in the spring during quarantine and really enjoyed it! I’m not big on gore/body horror so I don’t know if I’d be able to see the film, but watching this video was super interesting because I didn’t realize how different the book was from the movie! This video was so lovely and I enjoyed it with a big cup of tea. I discovered your channel a few days ago and I’m so excited to continue watching your videos! Cheers!

[@sean-cw9yf]

i recently wrote a paper discussing the differences and similarities between the book and the film. and wow it was more intense than i thought. thank you for this commentary, i love it.

[@masterzoroark6664]

After reading the book: Death of the Psychologist (Ventress) is different between book and movie, still self destructive, but in book it feels more... flacid and somewhat "like karma"- the person who supposed to controll everyone dies almost alone, partially because of the controll they tried to impress on their team, screaming last comands at the only immune person in the group. And surveyors death is... depressing as hell, the only ally dies unceremoniously, lead there due to paranoia and distrust seeded from the beggining of the mission Also- durring reading of the book my theory grew that Tower is Area X's refraction of the Lighthouse. For reasons not shared not known it refracted a important building, building important to the humans who lived and who are comming in

[@kayoss8787]

It’s just a film about terra forming and swapping consciousness as an alternative to space travel in a “clone”…but it’s super beautiful

[@arglebargle42]

How about next time tone down the ambient stress riff so we can hear your voice maybe?

[@anapaomv7620]

Hey I just found your channel today and I love it. Im a big junky for horror films, specially psychological horror and I really enjoy your insight. Keep the videos coming please! Greetings from México

[@teesoolit5612]

Wow, probably one of the best vids on yt I came across with. I love your approach, reflects how much you've put into it!! Amazing

[@hunterofmonsterss]

This video has been very interesting, but over halfway through I had to stop watching it because the constant sound effects and background music/audio made it practically unbearable. Usually this stuff doesn’t bother me, but it’s really excessive :/

[@milkweedreflections]

I need more movies like this in my life.

[@rafaluisi1]

Oh man, what and ending to an excellent video. THANKS!

[@Tavera12]

Great video, My husband and I loved this movie. It lingers in your thoughts weeks after watching.

[@A427-w2v]

Dude, yes! The Hannibal Series need more attention and there is really no video essay/analysis on the series. I think that job is meant for you sir. Been watching your videos and your the prime candidate. I liked and subbed to your channel.

[@TheMarvolousMarv]

Loved the video, with all the talk about words and towers I was expecting a tower of Babel comparison any second

[@Versailles-fi]

I think in a lot of ways the themes are also similar to the The Last Man on Earth (1964) and the book of the same name which was the inspiration for I Am Legend. It talked about how the main character the last human on earth desperately tries to fight against the vampiric creatures to cling on to humanity’s reign. But he realizes he’s not the picture of humanity anymore. He’s outdated, the vampires are the new evolved humans and he is the monster to them. In the end he submits and let’s himself be killed to make way for the new version of humanity.

[@fast1nakus]

the book is so good the movie is so good and you too, my dude, how can you play on the strings of my soul so effectively?

[@StevesRightJay]

You make some of the best damn videos I've ever seen on this site

[@reminiscent1585]

The Creature that looks as a bear is one of the most scary things i've ever seen in a movie. Just the thought of going on a hiking trip when your friend goes missing and during your painstaking search , you listen to their voice and the only thing you see is that a bear assimilated their entire body to your friends and they use that friend's voice to trick you. That's what scares me the most about this movie.

[@Picklesolution]

I cant wait to see what videos you continue to make. These are so thought provoking!!

[@galehunter2519]

It’s interesting that when people come out of Area X, they leave physically, but never mentally.

[@samanthaserrato9485]

I have really enjoyed your videos, please keep making them

[@hank1938]

This is essential viewing after the film. I just rewatched and came back to this analysis. There are many click baiting videos on KZbin about this film and they put in minimal effort and yell a lot.

[@meruscales]

Just finished reading Olaf Stapleton’s ‘Starmaker’; it reminded me a ton of this film

[@jud3stfrancis240]

thanks so much for posting! i ended up watching with a delay because I wanted to fully appreciate your work and as always, it did not disappoint (it's the understatement of the year tbh). I guess I'm not articulate enough to fully convey how well-written and how, well, /good/ your videos are, I just hope your channel grows even more in 2021, your analysis is so wonderful. And you have such a pleasant way of speaking :) I am really excited about the future projects you've mentioned! Wish you a safe rest of the year!

[@WillGaylord]

I wish the movie were a little longer, I personally didn't feel like we got enough of a feel for the true scope of the world within the shimmer

[@bariumdead]

This video is EVERYTHING!! Amazing work. I thought this movie was such a good adaptation of what the books were trying to do and beautiful in its own way. I started reading the series after the movie was announced because everything about the concept intrigued me. It's like... lovecraftian in a way? Some passages were so spine tingling that they made me literally look away from the page. Others were like having an out of body experience trying to interpret them. Thank you for this!! Now I want to reread the series and rewatch the movie.

[@ThisisnotTwitter]

Check out folding ideas review on this film also. There are so many "reviews" that entirely miss the point of the film. It is pleasing to see reviews like this that know the difference between plot, narrative and theme.