Alex Garland presents: How to destroy a film that could have been great

Rating: 4/10 (16 June 2018)

You know how sometimes you really want to like and enjoy a film, but it simply doesn't let you? Annihilation is a perfect example. As a devout Horror fan who's normally on good terms with Netflix films (despite the usually mediocre level at best), Annihilator's trailer really got me excited. Natalie Portman in a Horror film featuring a natural environment and mutated predators similar to the best features of Avatar? What could possibly go wrong?! Unfortunately, the answer is everything.
Annihilation is two different films at least. The first 90 minutes portray an excellent story with a compelling plot. Portman, a former-soldier current-biologist, follows an all-female crew into an unexplained phenomenon codenamed "The Shimmer" in order to discover what about it has made her husband (a soldier who recently returned from there) suffer from complete organ failure. The acting is excellent, the characters are relatable and the all-female cast is far from being a political statement (this isn't a "women studies film" nor a "chick-flick"). The ambiance is suspenseful and eerie, as you find yourself actually concerned for the future and welfare of all characters involved. As the predators become increasingly dangerous, one can't help but cheer Lena (Portman's character) on as her commitment to her husband aids her in overcoming all obstacles.
And then? The final 25 minutes or so completely, utterly and unorthodoxly destroy the film. And by destroy I mean shatter, crush and evaporate any and every good thing about the story, plot and overall sense and mood. It feels like the screenwriter and director had absolutely no idea what they were doing and how to conclude the plot, so they decided to drop a little LSD and let it dictate the colors, soundtrack and general occurrences of the final scenes. I honestly have no idea why they would do that. The film was great, it was working, it was achieving all the goals the build-up had set up. Why allow for such a clumsy and extreme shift from suspense and horror to forced sci-fi? Honestly, why?! I haven't seen such a waste of talent and potential since the legendary Michal Jordan became a Baseball player.
All in all, I can't find it in me to objectively rate this film. The first 90 minutes are a solid 8 in my opinion, with the final 25 deserving a zero, if not a negative rating. The resulting rating of 4 feels unjust for the first part and way too forgiving for the 2nd. Honestly, the cast didn't deserve to have their project destroyed so. Annoying, disappointing and truly sad. So, if you're a student or scholar of film, cinema, sound, philosophy or the sorts and are looking to study and analyze a piece - this film might be just right for you, your professor would probably appreciate an interpretation drawing from social, behavioral and existential theories. However, if like me you're just a common spectator looking for a fun viewing experience - do NOT watch this. I'm sorry, Natalie, you sure deserved better.