20 movies that you need to be really smart to fully understand

Sayan
(Image via Syncopy, Warner Bros)
(Image via Syncopy, Warner Bros)

20. Annihilation (2018)

Annihilation (Image via Paramount Pictures)
Annihilation (Image via Paramount Pictures)

Alex Garland’s Annihilation is about a team of scientists entering “The Shimmer,” a mysterious zone where DNA is refracted, causing mutations. The complexity comes from its surreal imagery and ambiguous narrative, particularly the climax where protagonist Lena confronts a shape-shifting entity. The film blurs the line between transformation and destruction, leaving viewers to interpret its metaphors about identity, self-destruction, and evolution. Its open-ended conclusion invites multiple interpretations, making it a thought-provoking experience.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava