If you read the first novel in Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach Trilogy, you already know the insanity we’re in for. The rest of you? Welcome to Annihilation, one of the wildest, surrealest, most bonkerest stories about four scientists that just happen to be women that you’ve ever seen.
Think the teaser was cool? Watch this trailer and try not to claw your way into Area X via your computer screens:
Helmed by Ex Machina writer/director Alex Garland, the film is a “dreamy” adaptation (Garland’s words—keep your eyes peeled for our interview with him!), follows a biologist (Natalie Portman) and her fellow scientists as they venture into a mysterious, ominous area of the United States known only as “Area X.” Quarantined for years and years thanks to inexplicable occurrences following an unknown event, Portman, a psychologist leader (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a surveyor (Tessa Thompson), and an anthropologist (Gina Rodriguez) enter the area in the 12th expedition to further explore it on behalf of the Southern Reach organization.
As it turns out, Portman’s husband (Oscar Isaac) was on the previous expedition, and discovering what happened to them is just as vital to discovering the mystery of this thrilling, terrifying, surreal space. Book readers will no doubt notice many a difference between the book and the film even from the trailer, but it doesn’t make us any less excited to see what comes out of Garland’s vision.
The film is set to be released in theaters on February 23rd, 2018. Are you as excited as we are for the film? Let us know in the comments below.
Alicia Lutes is the Managing Editor, creator/host of Fangirling, and resident Khaleesi of House Nerdist. Find her on Twitter!
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Images: Paramount
