Natalie Portman Uncovers A Mysterious Land In Annihilation Trailer

Natalie Portman has a mystery to solve in the teaser trailer for her upcoming sci-fi thriller Annihilation. In the film, Portman plays a biologist who joins a mission to explore an environmental disaster zone after her husband (Oscar Isaac) disappears.

Joining Portman's biologist on this mission are a psychologist (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an anthropologist (Gina Rodriguez), and a surveyor (Tessa Thompson). As the trailer shows, the group heads into a swamp surrounded by a mysterious light, where they encounter a creature. Portman is unable to describe it, but she says that she needs to know what's inside. The teaser doesn't reveal much, using mostly imagery and quick bits of dialogue to tease the film's deeper questions. 

We do already know that the movie will at some point feature Portman's character meeting up with a rather unusual alligator, who writer-director Alex Garland (Ex Machina) says plays a big part in the film. "It is their first tangible encounter with something strange," he said. "The alligator has physical elements to it that should not belong on an alligator. They're starting to get their heads around how weird the place is."

Annihilation is based on the 2014 novel of the same name from Jeff VanderMeer. The movie has a Feb. 23, 2018 release date; for now, see some of the other movies you have to look forward to next year.