Annihilation (2018) is a Science fiction horror film directed by Alex Garland, based on Jeff VanderMeer’s novel. The story follows Lena, a biologist and former soldier, who joins a team of scientists on a mission into "The Shimmer," a mysterious and expanding phenomenon of alien origin that has engulfed a remote area. No previous expeditions have returned, except for Lena's husband, who came back gravely ill and unable to recall his experience.
Inside The Shimmer, the team discovers a strange, beautiful, and terrifying world where DNA is being altered, creating bizarre and dangerous hybrids of plants, animals, and humans. As they venture deeper, the team confronts deadly creatures and psychological breakdowns caused by The Shimmer's influence, which distorts reality and their perceptions.
The film builds suspense with haunting visuals, a chilling atmosphere, and moments of existential dread. Lena eventually discovers the source of The Shimmer—a mysterious alien entity—leading to a surreal and thought-provoking climax. Annihilation explores themes of identity, self-destruction, and transformation, blending horror with cerebral science fiction. Its unsettling tone and ambiguous ending leave audiences contemplating humanity’s fragility in the face of the unknown.
