I'm only halfway through, but Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy is without a doubt one of the creepiest and most thought-provoking works of sci-fi horror, of any medium, that I've ever experienced.
The first novel in the trilogy, ANNIHILATION, is brimming with original ideas - enough arcane symbolism, mind-melting sci-fi concepts and skin-crawling horror imagery to fuel any number of stories. The book builds tension on a slow fuse, crawling inexorably towards a conclusion that feels as profound as it is terrifying, reading like a cross between 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and H.P. Lovecraft's worst nightmares.
Alex Garland, whose work on 28 DAYS LATER, SUNSHINE, DREDD and EX MACHINA has earned him the well-deserved moniker of "SF auteur to watch", is a filmmaker perfectly suited to adapt VanderMeer's novel. I knew from the moment this project was announced that we were in for something special, and this week's long awaited teaser is a stunner. February can't come soon enough.
Surrender yourself to Area-X. Screenshots provided, as well as a bonus look at the trilogy's excellent graphic design and illustration across several different publications.
Hey, looks like i'm with you on the halfway through the trilogy (1/2 of the Authority) and i'd like to say that the whole "Area X" thing is much reminiscent of Roadside Picnic by Strugatsky Brothers (if you didn't read it please do yourself a favour!). The main idea behind the story i suppose is way different, but the setting is very similar - the Zone with deadly anomalies, gov. agency and scientists exploring the forbidden area.
ReplyDeleteCool, thanks for turning me on to that, I'll take a look for it.
ReplyDelete