Visually stunning, intellectually satisfying, *very* re-watchable, uniquely original, modern sci-fi at is best!!!

Rating: 8/10 (14 March 2018)

Slowly but surely, and after many viewings, Ex Machina (the director's previous film) has established itself as one one my favorite movies of all time. Upon seeing a preview for Annihilation and seeing Alex Garland's name as the director, I did my best to stifle my excited curiosity. I remained as patient and self-disciplined as I could and didn't read about the plot, reviews, or release date. I did this because, based on my experience with Ex Machina, I knew going into the film as a blank slate, free of hype and preconceived notions would be the best way to experience the film (which, in my opinion is truly the best way to go into *any* movie). And I was right...I suggest anyone who has not seen the film try to do the same and just go see it.
The film is modern sci-fi at its best. I would also call it a psychological thriller with some action/adventure/fantasy elements. About 2/3 of the way through seeing it for the first time, I snapped out of my dreamy, trance-like focus and realized how engaged I was, how enjoyable the experience had been so far, and how I was at a complete loss for how I might imagine the film would end. I almost want to say that the film is a slow burn, but that is really only because the end is so perfectly ridiculous and contains a completely unpredictable climax. The film is filled with different variations of tension builds and releases, but the end is truly where the film peaks; on both a visceral and cerebral level.
I could go on and on about the themes and details captured within this movie, but I'll restrain myself. As I said, I believe it is best experienced free of preconception.
It is all too rare that films (especially now-a-days) truly blur the line between entertainment and art, but this film totally pulls it off. It is certainly worth discussing, analyzing, and reading into the concepts it presents in such a graceful, yet powerful way (I have seen it 4 times in the past 3 days, and am now listening to the original novel on audio book!), but it is also genuinely entertaining. Experiencing the film was and continues to be an absolute joy.
I am generally very cynical about most modern films, but Annihilation was satisfying in every way I could have hoped. I really don't understand the negative reviews I have read. I suppose they must have come from people who were perhaps expecting a straightforward action movie that doesn't leave room for interpretation. No, it is not an "overly-brainy, intellectual mess that is too open-ended to grasp" but if you are truly afraid that it might be, then you may be better off seeing Transformers 7, Fast and the Furious 12, or some other re-re-remake of some superhero movie.
Go see this movie!!!