A Twisted 2018 Sci-Fi Movie Returns to Streaming on Paramount+

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Starting today, you have the opportunity to watch Alex Garland’s gripping science fiction horror movie, originally released in 2014, on Paramount+. Known for his work on movies like “28 Days Later”, “Sunshine”, “Never Let Me Go”, and “Dredd”, Garland made a splash with his directorial debut, the critically acclaimed “Ex Machina”. Since then, he has continued to create thought-provoking sci-fi content, such as “Men”, “Civil War”, “Warfare”, the “Devs” miniseries, and an adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s novel, “Annihilation”, available on Paramount+ from August 1, 2025.

The film version of “Annihilation,” based on the first book in Jeff VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach Trilogy,” initially debuted in the U.S. on February 23, 2018, under Paramount Pictures. It was later distributed globally on Netflix, but is now available for streaming in the U.S. on Paramount+. Despite garnering favorable reviews and building on Garland’s success following “Ex Machina,” “Annihilation” earned just $43.1 million at the box office against a production budget of between $40 and $55 million. Garland has mentioned that he adapted “Annihilation” from his recollection of the book, which imbued it with an otherworldly, dream-like ambiance.

In this new interpretation, the movie Annihilation introduces Natalie Portman as Lena, a cellular biology expert and ex-US Army soldier, who joins a group of scientists exploring a secluded area called the Shimmer. This region is under quarantine due to its enigmatic origins traced back to an alien meteor impact. Inside, the genetic makeup of all living entities – plants, animals, and humans alike – have been altered, leading to unusual transformations. Lena ventures into the Shimmer in search of her missing husband Kane (Oscar Isaac), who previously led a team inside, only to discover that her fellow explorers’ DNA also begins to undergo changes, causing hallucinations, mutations, and disruptions.

In Alex Garland’s film adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s novel “Annihilation,” several alterations were made. Unlike the book, the characters in the story are named, and the perspective shifts from a field journal written by a biologist. The expedition party ventures into Area X, where they discover an underground bunker, which the biologist refers to as the “Tower.” In contrast to Jennifer Jason Leigh’s portrayal in the movie, the psychologist in the novel is more antagonistic and uses hypnosis to control the team members. However, exposure to mutated spores within Area X grants the biologist immunity to the psychologist’s hypnotic influence, leading to some unforeseen plot developments.

Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland, is one of his most moving, impactful, and unforgettable films, boasting standout performances from Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Tuva Novotny. This visually-stunning production cleverly blends science fiction elements with an exploration of depression and grief in a unique manner. If you haven’t seen it yet, Annihilation is now available for free streaming on Paramount+ as of August 1, 2025.

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2025-08-05 21:13