So I started the book at 10 pm before going to bed. I finished it a little after 3:30 am with work starting in a few hours. I was absolutely miserable the next day, but couldn't put the book down.
It's stranger than the movie but also better. Not the films fault as I don't think it would be an easy direct adaptation.
Annihilation felt more magical than cosmic simply because it was so similar to the concept of exploring a fae wild. Loved the movie. Also loved, on rewatching, that it wasn’t “we need a group of WOMEN who are LADIES going on a journey with each other and bonding as WOMEN to be watched by WOMEN.” The characters simply existing as people rather than set pieces really elevated it. Once you call attention to an all male/female cast, it instantly becomes campier.
Love cosmic horror. Haven't seen The Empty Man yet. Just from a quick search, I'm reading that it's got great ideas, just a bit too long and needs better editing. Still, it should be a fun watch. Thanks!
Amazing effects. The PE team worked before on the 2011 "The Thing" prequel, which flopped also for the decision from the film studio to redo all the scenes in CGI. So the Void success is basically their middle finger to that.