APEX (NETFLIX) (2026)

SYNOPSIS: Testing her limits in the remote and unforgiving Australian wilderness, Sasha (Charlize Theron) suddenly finds herself not only up against the elements, but also facing off against a ruthless and lethal predator (Taron Egerton).

MOVIE REVIEW:

If a movie like Apex had been made in the early 2000s, Angelina Jolie would likely have been cast in the lead role. Instead, we have Charlize Theron best known as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, as well as her roles in Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard taking on the physically demanding role of Sasha.

Five months after the death of her husband Tommy (a brief cameo by Eric Bana), who was killed in an avalanche in Norway, Sasha heads to the Australian outback in search of a fresh start. Still grieving, she probably hopes that kayaking and camping might help clear her mind. Instead, she finds herself hunted by a deranged serial killer, Ben (Taron Egerton), who relentlessly pursues her across the harsh terrain.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur known for films like The Deep, Everest, Beast, and Adrift, Apex once again immerses audiences in the wild and punishing side of nature. At its core, it’s a survival thriller with a twist: this time, the threat isn’t the elements or dangerous wildlife, but another human being—a deeply disturbed predator with his own issues.

Beyond a largely nonsensical backstory for Ben and a thin emotional setup for Sasha, Apex operates on a skeletal narrative. But it knows exactly what it is. Clocking in at a tight 90 minutes, Kormákur keeps the pacing brisk and focused. Ultimately, it’s Theron who does the heavy lifting, powering through a series of physically intense sequences from navigating treacherous rapids and crashing into rocks and boulders, to tackling demanding rock-climbing scenes. She commits fully, and it shows.

Egerton, meanwhile, is excellent as the unhinged Ben, delivering a convincing Australian accent. There are hints of a deeper layer to his character though the film stops short of fully exploring it.

The cinematography by Lawrence Sher is, at times, breathtaking. The sweeping shots of the natural landscape are striking, though in today’s filmmaking landscape, it’s increasingly difficult to tell what’s shot on location versus on a virtual volume.

In recent years, stars like Theron and Egerton have frequently appeared in Netflix productions, and Apex feels very much in line with the platform’s output: slick, entertaining, and ultimately disposable. It’s an easy watch but not one that lingers long after the credits roll.

Just remember however: if you’re heading into the wild, buy your beef jerky from a reputable source.  

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee