It is just disappointing that movies like this don't cover the basics. Touching clearly contaminated organisms with bare hands as a biologist is completely ludricous. Or step into water with a mutated body, and then put your hand in it.

And of course, running after an unknown beast, in the dark and having no flashlights..... of course...

When did moviemakers become so lazy and inept. The same was with movies like alien promethius. Exploring an alien planet without any protective gear....

I lost interest halfway due to sheer irritation. The bad reception is quite earned. It was lazy and boring and totally unrealistic.

Following a meteorite impact in the southern United States something strange happens; a strange shimmering phenomenon is noticed. Those who enter it don't return. It is growing. Then one day Kane, a member of a Special Forces team that entered the shimmer suddenly returns home to his wife, Lena. He has no idea how he got back. Soon after his return he starts haemorrhaging; on the way to the hospital he is intercepted and taken to a military facility. It is here that Lena learns of The Shimmer; when she learns that another team, this time composed of scientists, is to enter the Shimmer she volunteers to join them. Once inside things start to get strange; communications with the outside are down and consumed rations suggest they have been there at least three days although none of them recall that time. As they head deeper into The Shimmer they encounter strange plants and animals; it would appear that things there mutate at a cellular level... presumably that will include them!

I thought this was a really intriguing film. It was never too obvious what was going on and not all questions were clearly answered. The effects inside The Shimmer were really impressive; depicting some interesting ideas. There was plenty of tension; this rose nicely as a member of the group start becoming paranoid and strange creatures are encountered. The main characters are solid; as is the acting; particularly from Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lena and Dr Ventress, the government psychologist leading the mission. I'll admit to being confused at times, but in a good way, I wondered what things meant rather than thinking they didn't make sense. There are a couple of gory moments but nothing too disturbing. Overall I thought this was enjoyably strange so would recommend it to sci-fi fans.