Movie Review – Apex (2026)

      Apex, 2026.

      Directed by Baltasar Kormákur.

      Starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, Eric Bana, Caitlin Stasey, Bessie Holland, and Zachary Garred.

      SYNOPSIS:

      An adrenaline junkie attempts to conquer a treacherous river, only to find that nature isn't the only adversary she faces.

      In a film centered around conquering natural challenges, it's essential for the filmmakers to aim for realism and authenticity. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, Apex—whose title hints at multiple meanings—clearly distinguishes between moments involving green screen effects and scenes where Charlize Theron is genuinely engaged in activities like rock climbing. However, it is also unrealistic to expect every scene depicting extreme sports, whether it’s climbing snowy peaks or navigating perilous rapids, to be filmed as if it were a heart-stopping stunt. The challenge is that a significant portion of Apex appears artificial, and whenever a segment feels genuine (to some degree), it highlights the film's inconsistent quality and the lack of genuine danger present throughout.

      The plot revolves around Sasha, an adrenaline junkie played by Charlize Theron, who is mourning the tragic loss of her husband (with Eric Bana briefly appearing in the prologue) in the Australian wilderness. She finds herself embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Ben, portrayed by Taron Egerton, who leads her to an incredible yet hidden camping site, which ultimately serves as his hunting ground to challenge other thrill-seekers.

      This primarily results in a significant amount of kayaking through murky digital waters that fail to convey genuine suspense. Additionally, the story lacks originality, filled with typical tropes and continuing to follow a predictable route. Nonetheless, there is a notable creativity in the way the film connects its climax to the events of the sorrowful opening, particularly in a sequence where Theron puts in considerable physical effort, making viewers feel fatigued by the end.

      Aside from the extreme nature of Ben's character (which injects vital energy into the film, especially since the narrative feels repetitive by the midpoint), the reasons behind his predatory behavior and what he does with the victims (he hunts for reasons beyond sport) contribute to the film’s overall dullness. Much of the action is weighed down by an overreliance on CGI, while the storyline itself isn't particularly innovative.

      Charlize Theron has committed fully to the physical demands of her role, and Taron Egerton embodies a delightfully eccentric character with his hunting tunes and warped ambitions, even resorting to cawing when searching for Sasha. However, the film suffers from its failure to create an immersive experience. By the second or third instance of Sasha navigating a fake river, or during a winter mountain ascent that also appears animated and struggles to evoke legitimate fear akin to documentaries about adrenaline junkies, the wilderness aspect seems disjointed and somewhat irrelevant. The thrills of survival are also lacking until the later parts of the film.

      It is noteworthy that Baltasar Kormákur concludes Apex with a character-driven scene, showing a genuine concern for Sasha's journey beyond her survival. Overall, while the film doesn't achieve many high points, it remains somewhat engaging and watchable, thanks to the intensely dedicated performances.

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

      Robert Kojder