ANNIHILATION

The absolute best feeling after watching a great movie is also the worst – the consuming sensation of wanting more, but knowing you’ve just seen something truly unique. After seeing ANNIHILATION, I was left craving more, and it ended up being a taste-defining movie for me. I remember looking up similar films – this led to me watching THE THING, SUNSHINE, and UNDER THE SKIN. I’m always on the hunt for a good sci-fi horror film, but they seem to be few and far between.

Why did I choose ANNIHILATION for Halloween? It doesn’t immediately come to mind when thinking of the holiday, but why shouldn’t it? It has the perfect blend of horror – body, cosmic, existential, and dread. And it’s spooky and eerie in all the right ways. There’s a surreality to the film; something that is evident in a few of writer & director Alex Garland’s other works – EX MACHINA, DEVS, and the aforementioned SUNSHINE.

The cast of this film rounds out a compelling story and setting; Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Oscar Isaac all bring an impressive depth to their roles; ANNIHILATION doesn’t rely on dialogue, requiring its actors to flesh out their portrayals in other ways. And speaking of flesh; the creatures in this movie are excellent, including the “Shimmer” bear I illustrated to accompany this review.

So if you’re looking for a movie this Halloween to fill you with unshakeable dread without the typical haunts, add ANNIHILATION to your watchlist.

ANNIHILATION is streaming on MGM+ or is available to rent or buy wherever you get your movies.