Annihilation (2018)
Alex Garland's unsettling sci-fi horror follows a biologist who enters a zone where nature itself has gone terrifyingly wrong.
Annihilation - Movie Information
- Original Title: Annihilation
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Alex Garland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 2018 (Mexico - B-15), February 23, 2018 (United States - R), February 23, 2018 (India), April 13, 2018 (China)
- Alternative Titles: 滅。境 (TW), Ausloeschung (DE), 滅。境 (HK), Yox Oluş (AZ), Vùng Hủy Diệt (VN), Vyhlazení (CZ), แดนทำลายล้าง (TH), Area X: Annihilation (SE)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Skydance Media, DNA Films, Scott Rudin Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Annihilation - Plot
A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.
Annihilation - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Shimmer's haunting world unfold:
Fear what's inside.
Where to Watch Annihilation
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Annihilation - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alex Garland
Main Cast
- Natalie Portman
- Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Gina Rodriguez
- Tessa Thompson
- Tuva Novotny
- Oscar Isaac
- Benedict Wong
- Sonoya Mizuno
- David Gyasi
- John Schwab
Writers
- Alex Garland
Producers
- Andrew Macdonald
- Allon Reich
- Eli Bush
- Scott Rudin
Annihilation - FAQs
What does the ending of Annihilation mean?
The ending suggests that the duplicate Lena who returns may not be fully human. The Shimmer rewrites DNA and identity, and the final scene — where her eyes briefly shimmer — implies she has been fundamentally transformed or replaced, leaving her true nature deliberately ambiguous.
Is Annihilation based on a true story?
Annihilation is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Jeff VanderMeer's 2014 novel of the same name, the first book in his Southern Reach trilogy. The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on real concepts in biology, psychology, and environmental science.
Where can you stream Annihilation?
Annihilation is available to stream on Paramount+. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free streaming is available on Kanopy. Check JustWatch for current availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in Annihilation?
Annihilation stars Natalie Portman as Lena, Jennifer Jason Leigh as Dr. Ventress, Gina Rodriguez as Anya Thorensen, Tessa Thompson as Josie Radek, Tuva Novotny as Cass Sheppard, and Oscar Isaac as Kane. Benedict Wong and Sonoya Mizuno also appear in key supporting roles.
What is Annihilation about?
Annihilation follows a biologist who joins a covert expedition into the Shimmer, a mysterious and expanding zone where nature mutates in terrifying ways. The film is a psychological sci-fi horror exploring themes of self-destruction, identity, and transformation. Critics praised it as cerebral, unsettling, and visually stunning.
Is there a post-credits scene in Annihilation?
Annihilation does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends with a deliberately ambiguous final moment involving Lena, leaving audiences to interpret what truly happened inside the Shimmer. Director Alex Garland intended the ending to provoke reflection rather than provide definitive answers.
What is the age rating for Annihilation?
Annihilation is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's disturbing imagery, graphic violence, strong language, and intense horror sequences. It is not suitable for younger audiences and is recommended for mature viewers comfortable with psychological and body-horror content.
How long is Annihilation?
Annihilation has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). The film maintains a slow-burn pace throughout, building dread and atmosphere gradually before escalating into its intense and surreal final act.
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