In the Lost Lands (2025) - Film Review

      In the Lost Lands, 2025.

      Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.

      Starring Milla Jovovich, Dave Bautista, Arly Jover, Amara Okereke, Fraser James, Deirdre Mullins, Sebastian Stankiewicz, Tue Lunding, Jacek Dzisiewicz, Ian Hanmore, Pawel Wysocki, and Simon Lööf.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A sorceress journeys to the Lost Lands in search of a magical power that can turn someone into a werewolf.

      If there’s limited world or character development, it seems logical for director Paul W.S. Anderson to remain in familiar territory, relying on action star appeal and frenetic fight choreography for In the Lost Lands. The filmmaker’s wife and long-time collaborator Milla Jovovich, alongside the imposing Dave Bautista, fit this mold, portraying a wish-granting witch and a gunslinging bodyguard who accompanies her on a mission to extract magic from a living werewolf. This magic is intended for Queen Melange (Amara Okereke), who perceives that her grip on power is weakening and will likely collapse due to an impending revolution. As for the apocalyptic backdrop, we only have the basic details, revealing it to resemble a steampunk wasteland.

      However, the broad and simplistic nature of this narrative is disappointing, especially given that In the Lost Lands is adapted from a short story by George R.R. Martin; anyone familiar with Game of Thrones will find this storytelling inferior, almost like a low-budget imitation. Collaborating with screenwriter Constantin Werner, Paul W.S. Anderson only partially succeeds in developing a compelling narrative.

      There are promising concepts, fantastical revelations, tragic losses throughout the journey, romantic undertones, and a looming revolt by the oppressed inhabitants of an apocalyptic refuge. Yet, little of it resonates emotionally. Some may excuse this because Paul W.S. Anderson is known for chaotic, over-the-top visuals often quickly edited to a dizzying effect; however, the heartbreakingly poignant ending of Pompeii shows that he can evoke emotional depth when provided with quality material and a solid script.

      To illustrate the swift pacing, the first 10 minutes feature three distinct action scenes. While none of these are particularly poor, there's a consistent impression that In the Lost Lands feels like a 100-minute adaptation of a non-existent video game, trimmed down from around 30 hours. The filmmakers even present a world map as the protagonists embark on their quest, leaving viewers wishing it were instead an open-world game that allowed for exploration and deeper understanding of the environment.

      Instead, Grey Alys (Milla Jovovich) is evading a group of religious zealots from the ruling class in this dystopian setting, resolved to kill the witch at any price. Meanwhile, as noted earlier, she is tasked with locating and retrieving werewolf skin so the Queen can become a shapeshifter and flee with her secret lover. The infatuated Jerais (Simon Lööf) has also made a wish: for Grey Alys to fail in her mission. However, the witch has resolved to grant all wishes, no matter how conflicting, which adds an intriguing layer to the story.

      Naturally, the only way to find the werewolf is to venture far beyond the sanctuary into dangerous territory, where Boyce (Dave Bautista) steps in as a warrior guide, gradually revealing some clichéd backstory about himself. As the two find themselves in action scenes every few minutes—especially right after Boyce visits what seems to be his one true love—their trust in one another deepens. Consequently, a third wish complicates the already improbable situation.

      With dusty cinematography enhanced by thick CGI weather effects, Glen MacPherson successfully conveys a sense of a long, arduous journey and a visually appealing graphic novel aesthetic. He seems to find the right angles to capture characters revealing their surprise weapons and consistently shoots the action proficiently; a gunfight in an airborne cable car that becomes increasingly perilous is a noteworthy instance. Beyond the abundant, zany action and star appeal, Paul W.S. Anderson’s In the Lost Lands feels, well, somewhat aimless.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.