Alex Garland is a British filmmaker, screenwriter, and author known for his work in the science fiction genre. He gained prominence with his debut film, Ex Machina, which received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Garland is also recognized for directing Annihilation, a film based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer, which explores themes of identity and transformation. Before his success in film, Garland was a novelist and wrote the book The Beach, which was adapted into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. His unique storytelling style often blends psychological elements with speculative concepts, making him a notable figure in contemporary cinema.