Ambitions & Disappointments

Rating: 7/10 (15 March 2018)

Just to clarify: This movie isn't pseudo-philosophical. It has actually a deeper meaning and subtext. Still, it's not really fleshed out that well. But let's get the positive stuff out of the way: The art-design (especially for certain creatures) is great. As well as MOST of the effects. Yeah, the CGI was pretty noticable in some scenes, and the texturierung gets out of hand, on some of the environment. Still, for the most part they look really convincing. The "score" of the movie, and the sound design in general are handled very expertially. Towards the end, some of the sound-effects really freaked me out. In a positive way. The story, or more so the concept of the movie remains it's strongest point. It deals with theoretical depictions of life from outer space and simultaneously describes a relationship between our protagonist, Lena, and her husband. Certain plotpoints of both narratives cross over in a very clever way. And also it contains the character arc for Lena, so the story doesn't lose itself in its science "mumbo jumbo", like one other review here claimed. The ending of the movie was absolutely great and very ambitious. Personally, i liked it very much. So, now to the negative stuff: The story has an uneven structure. The main plotline gets constantly disrupted by flash-forwards to the aftermath-interrogation of our main protagonist. Also the whole narrative has a weak beginning. They could have started the movie, when the main characters are already in "the shimmer", and THEN incorporated some flashbacks. Also there are various plot holes and inconsistencies sprinkled throughout the movie. Still, i will defend that point: All characters have a reason to be in this film. Their actions and fates have a metaphorical meaning. Also this flick creates great atmosphere! Almost like a well-made horror movie, especially in the end. Kind of Ex machina. All in all, it was a interesting movie-going experience for me and i recommend Annihilation to everyone. Those high-concept Sci Fi-movies should get made more often. Just stay open minded and do not expect a scientifically accurate story.