A waste of a good story

Rating: 1/10 (16 February 2019)

Only someone who didn't read the original story could possibly enjoy this movie. I really tried to reset my mind, and push the book out of my head when viewing this movie, but I was struck by how pale an effort it was.
Alex Garlands notion of making a 'dream of the book' is one of the biggest loads I've ever heard. It's ponderous that a studio would acquire the rights to a property and then produce a perverted shadow of what was an appreciated work. Were I the studio, or the author, I'd be disappointed and annoyed at this work.
The movie abandons any notion of character development, and throws itself into a meandering narrative, that in the end can't even get the name of the movie right. In the book, the very word 'Annihilation' has such a sinister and dark meaning as related to the plot, and in this shallow film it's just a useless toss off line.
If you want pretty but meaningless visuals, devoid of plot, watch this movie. If you want an engaging story that you can't put down, read the book.
But if you have read the book, do not bother watching this film. You will be disappointed. Again, only someone who didn't read the original story could possibly enjoy this movie. Take that warning seriously.