Alex Garland conjures up yet another strangely beautiful sci-fi epic. Though, I must say, I enjoyed 'Ex-Machina' more! [+71%]

Rating: 7/10 (26 March 2018)

As is the case with most Alex Garland films (when I say films, I'm referring to the films he has written - 'Ex-machina' is the only other movie he has directed so far) such as '28 Days Later', 'Sunshine', ' and 'Dredd', his latest directorial venture 'Annihilation' also treads the 'sci-fi-with-a-message' path. He narrates stories in which visibly strong (but intrinsically weak) characters try to deal with the existence of alternate realities. While Garland follows the same skeletal structure in 'Annihilation' as well, the film still manages to maintain its singularity.
The film is told from the point-of-view of Lena (played by a nuanced Natalie Portman), a biologist (with a militaristic past) who signs up for a covert expedition into an otherworldly zone (known as 'The Shimmer' where laws of nature are seemingly twisted. Lena has her own reasons to partake in this quest, which ultimately leads to bizarre findings that blur the lines between real and surreal.What the viewers are in store for, isn't a straightforward sci-fi flick where answers are served on a silver platter. A lot is left to the judgment of the viewers - they can comprehend the proceedings however they feel like. This brain-teaser of a movie barely resorts to compromises in storytelling and leaves viewers to determine the solutions using their own interpretive thinking skills.
The visuals by Rob Hardy are complemented well by the terrifying visual effects by 'Double Negative' a.k.a DNeg. Dangers arrive in the form of mutated alligators and bears and trust me when I say they're not pleasing to look at. The musical score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow subtly signify the eerie tone of the film. Natalie Portman carries her 'bewildered biologist' character with ease, while J.J Leigh as Dr. Ventress (the leader of the expedition) puts up a convincing show. Oscar Isaac shines (as always!), in a sort-of extended cameo.
Verdict: Give 'Annihilation' a watch if you relish ambiguity in films!