Alex Garland has been known for writing smart Sci-Fi since his first foray into film with 2002’s 28 Days Later. In 2015, he solidified his place in Sci-Fi fan’s hearts and minds with his directorial debut, Ex Machina. It’s safe to say that Anticipation for his follow-up film, Annihilation, based on the book of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer, is extremely high in the fan community. Having read the books myself, I’m extremely interested in seeing what Garland can make out of the material.
The film’s first screening was last night and, judging by the first reactions that flooded twitter, I’d say we’re in for one hell of a mind-bending sci-fi masterpiece.
Check out what the lucky screening attendees are saying below:
#Annihilation is big budget Alex Garland with all the head-spinning intelligence of “Ex Machina.” It’s violent and patient and then suddenly so transfixing you’re pinned to your seat.
It’ll take time to process. Another auteur studio gamble from Paramoint after “mother!”
— Zack Sharf (@ZSharf) February 8, 2018
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#ANNIHILATION: This is the type of sci-if we always say we want to see. Bold, challenging, singular, visually dazzling. Would not be the least bit surprised to see it hailed as a masterpiece (and it might actually be one).
— Ben Pearson (@benpears) February 8, 2018
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Make no mistake, #Annihilation is a new sci-fi classic. Brilliant, thrilling, and provocative, it has as much metaphoric depth as it does narrative tension. I’m floored. pic.twitter.com/o2taDg2Z7L
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) February 8, 2018
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Just saw #Annihilation, and damn, it’s gorgeous. Beautifully done, riveting and smart. Going to need to process this one for a while, and I want to see it again! pic.twitter.com/rFl5cnacon
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) February 8, 2018
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You know who else annihilates (I’m not gonna get tired of this) their roles? @HereIsGina AND @TessaThompson_x. Can all sci-fi films just have perfect all-female ensemble casts from now on? #Annihilation pic.twitter.com/QugaPYJqxk
— Manuel Betancourt (@bmanuel) February 8, 2018
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Alex Garland’s #Annihilation is another example of the kind of brainy sci-fi we don’t see enough of. Badass female cast and a story that’s both beautiful and wickedly disturbing, and an ending you will talk about for days. Dug it so much pic.twitter.com/fW77z6xX4v
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) February 8, 2018
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That’s a lot of high praise; however, not everyone was completely sold on the film…
It’s very strange to see reviews for #Annihilation calling it a masterpiece when I feel as though they can’t possibly be talking about the same movie. Messy, head scratchingly confusing & wastes its cast. And that’s coming from someone who loved the books. pic.twitter.com/NSLqAt8vDw
— April Dawn (@April13Dawn) February 8, 2018
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Lena, a biologist and former soldier, joins a mission to uncover what happened to her husband inside Area X – a sinister and mysterious phenomenon that is expanding across the American coastline. Once inside, the expedition discovers a world of mutated landscape and creatures, as dangerous as it is beautiful, that threatens both their lives and their sanity.
Annihilation drops February 23rd!
