Annihilation is science fiction horror film that keeps you on edge and in mysterious interest. Based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer, this movie keeps a very close relation to the book.

At a U.S. government Area X facility on the southern coast, cellular biology professor and former U.S. Army soldier Lena (Natalie Portman also known as Padme in the Star Wars prequels) go on an expedition into this newly formed entity called “the shimmer.” She is the only survivor. In flashbacks, Lena’s husband Kane (Oscar Isaac also known as Poe Dameron in the latest Star Wars trilogy) has gone missing almost a year ago and reappears not remembering anything at all. Rushed to a hospital in Area X, they rummage through Kane’s old uniform in hope to find out what had happened to him. As they return back to “The Shimmer,” they start losing extensive periods of time.

As the film was directed by Alex Garland, the director of Ex Machina, I knew walking in I was going to leave with questions. As each scene goes by, I keep asking myself what’s happening next? Where is this leading to? Natalie Portman’s character is so real and grounded in reality that it brings a real likeability to the character. Oscar Isaac’s character is outstanding, and he works his magic that makes his characters so real. The soundtrack is so creepy and eerie that it makes you uneasy in some moments, but it is placed so well throughout the film that it makes the viewer sit on the edge of their seat. The cinematography is beautiful and visually pleasing to watch. This movie left me with so many questions as I walked out of the theater that later that week I went back to watch it again! Each viewing left me puzzled because I went in having one idea and left thinking that it could maybe be something else!

Overall, I have very few complaints about this film. One minor one that I have is that everything that is done leads to the end, leaving you lost until the very end. With the middle section of the movie, you ask yourself if this scene was really necessary, or if it was added just to throw the viewer off. However, this movie is not for everyone, and it is very much a cult film. But it’s a good watch.

   4 out of 5 Spurs.