The Untold Truth Of Annihilation

Based on the location described in the original novel, the Shimmer is supposed to be somewhere in the southern United States, specifically a coastal region. You probably wouldn't guess it from watching the film, but "Annihilation" was actually filmed in England, in an area of parkland near the famous Pinewood Studios. In a New York Times "Anatomy of Scene" video, Alex Garland explained how the design of the Shimmer came to be.

One of the most important elements early on is the fishing hut the team encounters after they first enter the Shimmer. Set decorator Michelle Day came up with the dilapidated, sunken design of the hut, which was in direct contrast to the initial idea of a more quaint-looking abode. The hut looked even more striking considering the beautiful, lush, green environment in which it was placed.

In regards to the natural landscape of the Shimmer, Garland said, "Most of what you see there, in some respects, is constructed." He explained that much of the visible foliage was placed there by set decorators so that the Shimmer looked nothing like England and instead more like mutated, twisted coast in the American South.