NETFLIX | Natalie Portman stars in the illogical 'Annihilation'
'Annihilation' tells the story of a biologist who signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition where the laws of nature don't apply.
To be absolutely clear, 'Annihilation' is not confusing in its screenplay by any means, but it is hardly the cinematic gem some critics are suggesting it to be. There are far too many 'goofs' in this film to pass it off as a masterpiece.
How is it that Natalie Portman’s biologist character doesn’t properly swab her specimens (for example, wearing gloves at the very least)? The only survivor to come back from the shimmer is quarantined and everyone that comes into contact with him has to wear hazmat suits, yet Portman and her team go into the shimmer completely unprotected. A plain oversight or an aesthetic decision? And, if the operation is attached to the military and/or government, why aren’t there any respective representatives?
Even considering the girl power in this film, it doesn’t deny the fact that 'Annihilation' values style over sense.
The highly illogical nature throws quality viewing out the window. How does one manage to kill a humungous mutated alligator with anger issues, and yet, decide that the best mode of transportation is to travel by water on row boats?
And apparently it's good idea to have one person on guard at night, on the ground so far away from everyone else, in a little shack with no walls, where literally anything can grab them, while everyone else is tucked away safe, much higher up. Can someone tell me where the logic is in that decision? Seems more like a forced horror movie trope.
Another little blip is that their gear didn't include night vision goggles or secondary weapons or masks. Who packed their equipment?!
It’s like Alex Garland (known for decent writing and directing efforts such as '28 Days Later', '28 Weeks Later', 'Never Let Me Go', and 'Ex Machina') knew how bad the source material was and tried to distract us with good visuals instead. While the visuals may have been decent, everything else was below average - even with the Academy Award Winning actress Portman and a wealth of other quality performers at his disposal. 'Annihilation' has so many plot holes, the audience begins to wonder what the hell went wrong, making for an unsatisfying experience. 'Annihilation' is available on Netflix worldwide.
Criss Gidas
