Director Alex Garland’s Ex Machina stands as a modern sci-fi masterpiece, so naturally, we’re excited for his next film, Annihilation. And now, thanks to a new trailer, we finally have our first peek at this mysterious movie — and it looks like it has potential to be even more of a sci-fi classic than his previous film.
The movie is based on Jeff VanderMeer’s sci-fi horror novel of the same name, about four scientists who venture into an environmental disaster zone known as Area X. They’re the twelfth expedition to the mysterious land, and since all others have suffered strange and often horrific fates, it’s up to them to figure out what exactly is going on there. Garland predictably doesn’t give much away in this first trailer, but he does manage to squeeze in some stunning other-worldly visuals of Area X, as well as lots of disturbing and intriguing imagery. The trailer also sets up an intense feeling of unease for the viewer that’s not unlike the feeling one gets from watching Ex Machina, like you’re seeing something you shouldn’t be. Except here, that feeling is turned up to eleven. Check it out below.
From the trailer, it’s clear that Garland has received a much bigger budget for his second full length feature following the success of his first. While Ex Machina largely took place in one location, Annihilation looks sprawling, with the confines of Area X seemingly limitless. The film’s cast features Natalie Portman, Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tessa Thompson as the four experts on the expedition, while Ex Machina veteran Oscar Isaac features as the husband of Portman’s character, who disappeared on his own expedition into Area X.
Annihilation looks to be a serious mind warp of a film, with the potential to join Blade Runner 2049 in a modern renaissance of deeply intellectual and visually gorgeous science-fiction films. Let’s hope we’re right.
Annihilation hits theaters on February 23, 2018.
