Mind-Bending Sci-Fi I: Annihilation 🌺
In movie news: Netflix's 'Breaking Bad' movie is almost here and it has a trailer
☕️ Happy Monday!
Today, we’re kicking off a new theme and with the terrific Ad Astra in theaters now — ICYMI, I sent out a bonus review on Sunday — I thought it’d be the perfect time to talk about mind-bending science fiction movies 🧪. Other than horror — more on that next month — sci-fi is my favorite genre. And the movies I’m recommending this week are some of my favorite of all time.
In movie news, what we know about the new Breaking Bad movie and Oscars equal more 💰 for filmmakers at Netflix?
Okay, here’s day 1️⃣.
Today’s movie: Annihilation
STREAMING ON PRIME VIDEO & HULU
What it’s about: After an anomalous area that becomes known as “The Shimmer” appears on the southern coast, the government sets up a facility to explore it. However, no team that has gone into “The Shimmer” has returned — until Kane (Oscar Isaac) emerges weak and near-death. His wife, biologist Lena (Natalie Portman), signs up for the latest expedition led by Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to find answers. What she discovers is far more confounding than she’d ever imagined.
Why it’s great: In “The Shimmer,” the laws of nature don’t apply, leading to some stunning and terrifying sequences involving the living things enveloped by the area — you’ll never look at a bear the same way again. Director Alex Garland has a unique ability to get under your skin with the movie’s imagery, but the real beauty of Annihilation is what’s under the surface.
It’s a movie about humanity and our propensity for self-destruction. The movie has monsters, but the biggest monster is ourselves. With a chilling, impressionistic third act and a killer score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, Annihilation ranks among my favorite movies of the decade.
The key players:
🎬 Alex Garland
🖋 Alex Garland
🎭 Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, Oscar Isaac
The details: ⏳ 115 minutes // 🗓 2018 // 📺 Trailer // 📝 My review
Fun fact: After a poorly received press screening, an executive at Paramount said the movie was “too intellectual” and “too complicated” and demanded changes be made. Producer Scott Rudin refused and the released version is Garland’s exact vision. If that doesn’t make you want to watch it, I don’t know what will.
Don’t have Prime Video or Hulu? Annihilation is available to buy or rent on Prime Video, iTunes, and YouTube.
In movie news: Netflix’s Breaking Bad movie has a trailer
⚗️ El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie premiered a new trailer during last night’s Primetime Emmy Awards that hints at what the movie will be about. It was also revealed that Jonathan Banks’ Mike Ehrmantraut will appear joining Aaron Paul reprising his Emmy-winning role of Jesse Pinkman.
When you can watch it: The movie will be streaming on Netflix on October 11th in addition to a limited theatrical release. However, it will not make Oscar eligibility rules.
💰 Netflix, which has been luring in major filmmakers like Noah Baumbach, Martin Scorcese, and Dee Rees, is planning to give out bonuses for projects that prove “successful.” How will they define success? It depends on the project. More mainstream movies will aim for high viewership numbers. Prestige movies will aim for awards-season success.
My take: As Bloomberg points out, back-end deals — where filmmakers will share in a film’s profits — aren’t a new thing in Hollywood. However, they’re nearly impossible with the streaming model, hence this plan. Whether these incentives are enough to keep big-name talent coming to Netflix is yet to be seen.
That’s all for today! If you like or dislike a recommendation, let me know by replying to this email! Always up for a movie discussion.
Have a great week,
Karl (@karl_delo)