Engaging, entrancing, but the pace needs tightening, and there is not as much there as the tone suggests

Rating: Null/10 (24 March 2018)

Opening on Netflix in the UK, I heard about this film because it was unusual that such a high-profile film would come direct to a streaming service rather than the 'traditional' route. I also read a tense interview with Garland where he was clearly frustrated that the film wouldn't show on a big screen, probably feeling a lot would be lost in the front room TV. Despite not doing well in the US, the reviews were good so I gave it a go.
The film opens slowly, which I suppose is an early indication of how most it will go. The introductory 'chapter' structure is nothing new, but works well here, and the film has a solid tension to it as it journeys into the core of the mystery zone. As it goes, the film gets more interesting as we see more impact of the DNA changes to everything within the zone, as well as the horror and danger than comes with it. This aspect is well done but perhaps could have used more fear and urgency - when it gets it, it is good but too often it seems a bit disconnected. The pace and tone of the film suggest that it wants to be more about ideas and sci-fi themes than about horror or tension, even if it tries to do both. In terms of the former, the tone makes it feel really smart and reflective, but really there is not as much there as it suggests; at the end you'll have enjoyed the creation of this place and the things within it, but will not be left pondering the ideas or characters for long.
The characters are interesting, albeit a little underserved. The all-female cast may have contributed to the film not doing as well, but probably not that much since word of the tone/pace probably kept the masses away on the basis that it was 'cerebral' rather than a 'proper' sci-fi with action and wit. Ironically, within the film the cast help it a lot. Portman is great throughout. Thompson is nicely subdued and I wanted her to have more time. Jason Leigh is solid, and Rodriguez does okay but jars a little at times in terms of not convincing in her role in the team. Supporting players such as Wong, Isaac, and a few others add quality. The design and delivery of the film is just as much of a star though; it looks great throughout, and the use of sound and music is mostly very good - I share Garland's feeling that probably the cinema would have been a much better way to have seen this.
Annihilation will be a nice find on Netflix, and it is a quality film in the most part, even if there is not as much to it as it would like to think, and has issues with pacing and tone.