Annihilation 2018 Movie

Annihilation had a lot going for it: Natalie Portman, a solid cast, careful aesthetics, and a disturbing sci-fi premise. But the truth is that the film ends up halfway between cerebral cinema and spectacle, without truly excelling in either. I had a hard time staying interested. More than once I was tempted to turn it off, but I held on out of respect for the core idea… and to be able to give a proper opinion. The script, which promised a fascinating exploration of change, identity, and the unknown, ends up dissolving into long scenes that go nowhere, characters who barely connect, and a pace that invites more sleep than thought. Yes, there are visually powerful moments, but beautiful images are not enough if the story doesn't flow. And here, at times, it feels like it doesn’t even move forward. I don’t blame the cast, who do what they can, especially Portman, always reliable. But Garland’s direction, which I found precise and suggestive in Ex Machina, comes across here as cold, even pretentious. He seems more interested in metaphors than in building something that truly moves or intrigues. I give it a 6 out of respect for the genre, its performers, and some ideas that deserved a better fate. But if this film has become a benchmark for many, I honestly don’t share that view. For me, it’s one of those titles that get hyped by their packaging, but deflate when you actually watch them.

Phenomenal character study about responses to trauma wrapped in a sci-fi mystery. Enjoyable both textually and subtextually. Excellent visual direction and motivated editing. Many stand out performances