Directed by , this science fiction horror film is loosely based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer. It follows Lena (played by Natalie Portman), a cellular biology professor and former soldier, who joins an all-female expedition into "The Shimmer" .
Lena enters the zone to find answers about her husband, Kane, who returned from a previous mission there in a catatonic state. i annihilation 2018 mm submp4 work work
: Each member carries a burden—addiction, loss, or illness—that makes the mission into the Shimmer a mirror of their internal decay. The Shimmer as a "Refractor" Directed by , this science fiction horror film
Annihilation (2018), directed by Alex Garland, is a science fiction cosmic horror film that explores the psychological and physical transformation of five women entering a mysterious environmental disaster zone known as "". Thematic Analysis: "Work of Self-Destruction" : Each member carries a burden—addiction, loss, or
The film begins with a flashback to a canoeing accident that resulted in the death of a biologist, Lena's (Natalie Portman) husband, Kane (Oscar Isaac). Shortly after, Lena encounters a strange, glowing entity while on a military mission. This encounter leads her to join an expedition, led by the resolute and calm Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), into the mysterious "Shimmer," where previous expeditions have mysteriously disappeared.
While originally a "Netflix Original" in many international territories, it was recently removed from the platform in March 2025. As of April 2026, you can watch it through the following services: