Alexander Medawar Garland, known popularly as Alex Garland, is an esteemed English novelist, screenwriter, and director. Born on May 26, 1970, in London, England, Garland's literary and cinematic journey has significantly influenced the spheres of literature and film. His journey to prominence began with his novel The Beach in 1996, which not only established him as a noteworthy writer but also encapsulated his experiences as a backpacker. This work swiftly transformed into a cult classic and was later adapted into a film directed by Danny Boyle, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Garland's contributions to cinema are equally remarkable. He received widespread acclaim for his screenplays, particularly for Danny Boyle's films 28 Days Later (2002) and Sunshine (2007), as well as Never Let Me Go (2010) and Dredd (2012). His foray into video games, co-writing Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010) and serving as a story supervisor for DmC: Devil May Cry (2013), showcased his versatility and ability to captivate audiences across different media.

Garland's directorial debut, Ex Machina (2014), not only marked his transition into directing but also earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. This film, along with his subsequent works such as Annihilation (2018), Men (2022), and Civil War (2024), has established him as a visionary director. His work on the FX miniseries Devs (2020), where he served as a writer, director, and executive producer, further demonstrates his multifaceted talent in storytelling.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Garland is the son of political cartoonist Nick (Nicholas) Garland. He was educated at the independent University College School in Hampstead, London, and the University of Manchester, where he studied art history.