Annihilation Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

An ambitious cult classic in the making.

Annihilation Natalie Portman
Netflix

After getting a limited release in the U.S. and Canada late last month, the second feature from Ex Machina director Alex Garland is available now on Netflix throughout the rest of the world (except China).

Though the recent state of Netflix's Originals line-up might give you low expectations - what with The Cloverfield Paradox and Mute making an especially dodgy case for sci-fi fare - rest assured that critics have been tripping over themselves to praise Garland's film as a challenging, superbly crafted entry into the genre.

And they're not wrong. Though you might decry your inability to see the film in cinemas, you're still getting arguably the best movie of the year so far streamed straight to your home, and that shouldn't be sniffed at.

For those prepared to pay attention, immerse themselves in the mystery and go along for the barmy ride, Annihilation represents sci-fi cinema at some of its most uncompromising. A worthy follow-up to Garland's incredible debut indeed...

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.