ANNIHILATION    3.0***

       ”Annihilation” is a thought-provoking science fiction movie that features unseen aliens who are truly alien. At film’s end, there might be some understanding of their motivation and desires, but the mystery is far from fully resolved. It’s a work of science fiction that requires viewers to be engaged and not simply wanting to sit back and watch the special effects. ( If you want a popcorn action film look elsewhere)

A meteor has struck near a lighthouse causing a zone called “The Shimmer,” to take root and expand around it. Those who have gone in to explore it don’t come back. Lena (Natalie Portman) is a biologist whose husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) was one of the men who went. A year later he reappears, but it soon becomes obvious that something is very wrong with him. To try to figure out what’s happened so that she might cure him, Lena volunteers to be part of the next expedition going into the Shimmer.

Without giving away too much, suffice to say that within The Shimmer, nature seems out-of-control, with the 5 woman group – led by psychologist Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh)- encountering increasingly bizarre mutations. As they push onward, it becomes an open question as to whether they will survive. We know that Lena does, since she is relating the story in flashback. That doesn’t mean we can anticipate what has happened to her or the others or, indeed, to her husband.

It should be noted that, without making a big deal about it, this is the story of the five women who comprise the latest expedition . While there are some good scares  and monsters along the way, this is not a movie where the women just scream at an attacking monster waiting for a manly hero to save them. These women may be spooked, but they’re also ready to fight back.

Ultimately, whether the film works depends on your willingness  to suspend disbelief and  acknowledge that the agenda of space aliens may be beyond human understanding.  This is a film that is both disturbing and provocative, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions.•••

Rated R for violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality

DARKEST HOUR   4.0***

        Gary Oldman lives and breathes Winston Churchill and his charisma carries the entire movie. This was such a monumental time in Churchill's life, yet it took place over less than two weeks. At first glance, one might think that the title was referring to England's darkest hour, but the film reveals  that it is actually showing Churchill's darkest hour, where he was riddled with self-doubt as well as opposition from people who should have been his allies. Despite his belief that surrendering to Hitler would only make things worse, people were dying day after day and almost the entire British Army was surrounded by the Germans at Dunkirk. It seemed that the only option that wouldn't result in annihilation was to negotiate with the tyrant. In the end though, it wasn't the pressure of politicians or concern over his reputation that caused Churchill to choose to keep fighting against overwhelming odds. It was the opinions of ordinary people. Which brings me to my favorite scene in the movie. I don't know if it's historically accurate or not, but the scene on the subway train shows us what a kind-hearted, funny, likeable and humble guy Churchill was. He joked around with normal people while also asking for their advice.  

It's almost incomprehensible to consider that one man could have such a singular impact, not only on the direction of his country but on that of the entire world. Just consider, had Churchill not stood fast (and he did have his moments of doubt), England would eventually have succumbed to Hitler's tyranny, and virtually the whole of Europe might be speaking German today

Gary Oldman's portrayal is one for the ages; if you compare his regular features to those of the man he represents here, it's virtually impossible to tell it's the same actor. His transformation into the British wartime Prime Minister is simply remarkable and, in my opinion, will earn him Best Actor honors at the Oscars (can be compared to Danie day Lewis’ astounding portrayal of Lincoln)

Overall, this is a well-constructed, finely focused narrative that gives the audience a sweeping glimpse of the man himself, both guarded before the sting of his political enemies and vulnerable in the friendlier confines of his home or office. Interesting to pair this with another Best Picture nominee: “Dunkirk” as the two explore the same military event from two different perspectives.