Okay, so this is going to be a tough one.
Annihilation is a film that epitomizes the best the science fiction genre can offer. It is less about an alien invasion and more about the very flawed humans caught in the situation. The often disturbing film asks an important question: Why do people self-destruct?
The film has its flaws…It refuses to hold your hand to the point where it feels like it relishes in its ambiguity. And the supporting characters often feel more like caricatures or plot devices rather than actual people. But the biggest flaw is the knowledge that this film is another example of white washing…the main character is of Asian descent in the original book. In a time when diversity and representation is more important than ever, the choice to ignore (Inadvertent or not) main character’s ethnicity in the source material is frustrating to say the least.
As an Asian American writer, it is hard for me to ignore something like this. Annihilation is a science fiction film that takes chances…it is too bad that it did not take a bigger chance with its cast.
“It’s Not Destroying…It’s Creating Something New.”
Biologist Lena (Natalie Portman) volunteers for an expedition into The Shimmer, a mysterious alien phenomenon. Every previous expedition has disappeared or died, save one…Lena’s husband Kane (Oscar Isaac). Seeking answers, Lena joins psychologist Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), paramedic Anya (Gina Rodriguez), physicist Josie (Tessa Thompson), and geologist Cass (Tuva Novotny) into a place where the Shimmer changes the laws of nature.
The straight forward premise hides a deeper look into humanity’s strange desire for self-destruction. Portman’s Lena is a woman facing certain death for a simple answer to a simple question: What happened to her husband Kane? She wants to “save” her husband, but why? And from what? There is the physical danger of the Shimmer, but Director/writer Alex Garland is more concerned with the mentality of his characters. Lena’s motivations are much deeper than they appear and the film explores them in a mysterious, but compelling way.
Annihilation will refuse to give any easy, straight forward answers. Film fans looking for action or an intricate and clear alien threat will be sorely disappointed. This is a thinker’s film…though it often revels in its ambiguity. Any film goer expects some answers in a film wrapped in mystery, but Annihilation refuses to give any, even when it probably should. There are moments that need some explanation that would not take away from the overarching mystery.
Garland does create tension and a general sense of dread throughout the film. Something always feels off about the land affected by the Shimmer. From the off putting soundtrack to the often masterful use of body horror, the audience will often question their own sanity. All of this ties into the theme of self-destruction and Garland really knows how to make his audience squirm.
Natalie Portman gives a great performance as Lena, even if she is miscast (More on this later). Her journey is a compelling one, as she is a flawed individual looking for answers, just like the audience. The reasons for her guilt are sympathetic on the surface, but as we delve deeper into her motivations it becomes complicated…and utterly engaging. Portman plays these subtle emotional conflicts well.
The rest of the cast is solid, if underutilized. Jennifer Jason Leigh is interesting as the solitary but driven Ventress. Gina Rodriguez gets the flashier, more emotionally charged moments, while Tessa Thompson underplays her character well…so well, that unfortunately you often forget she is there. Tuva Novotny is not around long enough to really register. All play parts as plot devices and are often reduced to one note characters. Rodriguez is the rage-aholic, while Thompson is the meek flower. An important part of Ventress’ backstory is literally thrown in like an after thought, so it never really registers. The only one who really stands out is Oscar Isaac, contrasting his natural charisma with a compelling creepiness.
Bold Choices, Not So Bold Casting
The film uses Lomax (Benedict Wong) as a framing device as he interviews Portman’s Lena after her experiences in the Shimmer. Lomax often looks confused and frustrated as Lena recounts the events, acting as an audience surrogate. I found myself having the same frustrations not only because of the film’s ambiguity, but also for its short sighted casting.
For a film that makes some bold choices with its story and storytelling, it is frustrating that the filmmakers chose to whitewash the lead role. I spent a lot of time above praising Portman’s performance, but Lena was supposed to be of Asian descent, at least according to the books the film is loosely based on. Much has been made of Garland’s response: He simply didn’t know.
I do not buy it. Months of pre-production carefully crafting his story. He consulted the source material’s author, Jeff VanderMeer. Granted, the revelation that Lena was Asian does not occur until the second book, which was written after Annihilation was already deep into production. But why did VanderMeer stay silent during those meetings with Garland? Personally, I blame VanderMeer for this than anyone else, but it still speaks to a problem in mainstream Hollywood films.
It is great that this is virtually an all female cast. It is great that Thompson, Rodriguez, and Isaac are given featured roles. But Hollywood continues to shy away from giving lead roles to people of color. This film is being rightfully praised for taking chances with its narrative and style, but it is hard for me to just let this pass. Not today.
I understand that the film business is ultimately a business. Natalie Portman’s name carries prestige and box office power. But in a time when representation is growing in mainstream films, these types of decisions should not be tolerated, no matter the reasons. Garland took a chance with his major breakthrough Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander was not a household name, yet she was a main character in that film. Actors of color are not looking for a hand out…just simply a chance.
Tragic Missed Opportunity
I want to love Annihilation. It really is a cinematic achievement in so many ways. But I cannot in good conscience give it a favorable score…or any score for that matter. The people behind this film should have taken an even bigger chance, but they failed to do so.
Many hard core science fiction fans will love this film and debate its true meaning in its ambiguous story. It is a film begging for a cult following. But for me, this is a misfire. Not only for its very real flaws, but for its tragic choice in casting.
SCORE: DO BETTER HOLLYWOOD