Apex

Predictible. A silly and boring film, unfortunately. It could have been interesting but the landscape was the most interesting thing in the film.

This might not be the most original thing in the world, but it is executed well and the characters are relatable enough to build tension. That makes the moments of fright more engaging and leaves you ultimately quite satisfied. The casting is fantastic, and of course the locales where this is shot are breathtaking. It's really not a bad movie, and I recommend it.

Just awful. I feel like I have already seen this movie a thousand times, and I did NOT even finish it. Predictable, with no story. No connection to the characters. SKIP THIS ONE!

Checkout my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/apex-2026-primal-thrills-and-physical-prowess-elevate-a-familiar-survival-formula/

Rating: B

APEX is a remarkably solid, propulsive survival thriller that knows exactly what it wants to achieve and delivers on all fronts. Charlize Theron's extraordinary physicality and commitment to her own stunts are jaw-dropping, while Taron Egerton brings a wonderfully unhinged energy to their intense, high-stakes dynamic. Even though the narrative beats follow a fairly formulaic, predictable path with somewhat thin character development, Baltasar Kormákur's riveting direction and breathtaking wilderness set pieces ensure a gripping, visceral cinematic ride from start to finish.

My expectations for diving headfirst into a visceral thriller were high when I decided to hit play on Apex, but my time on the couch ended up being a really confusing mix of a racing heart and pure frustration. I was hooked by the promise of a suffocating psychological duel in the middle of nowhere, and the heavy energy of the first few minutes glued me to the screen in a way I didn't expect. But about halfway through this run through the woods, I realized the story itself was tripping over rocks along the way, running desperately without a map. It was one of those exhausting rides that tested the protagonist's limits and, to be totally honest, my patience with writing choices that made me roll my eyes.

I was absolutely glued to the couch during the opening sequence on the Troll Wall cliffs. Seeing Sasha and Tommy (Bana) hanging off that icy abyss set a brilliant tone of urgency right from the first few seconds. The tragedy there actually hurts. And the promise was super obvious: grief was going to be this woman's relentless driving force. Except, after she gets thrown into the Australian jungle, I realized with some sadness that the psychological pain just became an empty plot device. The movie brushes off the mental fallout of that traumatic climb almost immediately. The massive loss doesn't shape her survival tactics in the wild; it just serves as a lazy excuse to justify an isolated trip across the world. I was left with this cynical feeling that they sold me on a complex emotional journey in the interviews, but delivered a shallow drama that gets tossed aside by the end of the first act.

Charlize Theron’s physical commitment is just insane to watch. She carries the film's entire tension on her shoulders, often without saying a word. I didn't see the old invincible action-hero stereotype there; I saw an exhausted woman oozing vulnerability and terror through an almost tangible body language. Her performance creates instant empathy. The painful problem here...

"Apex" gives the strong impression it hopes the location will carry the film. To be fair, the exotic wilderness of outback Australia is an interesting setting. That said, its window dressing on a film that's lacking in substance and pacing.

The first shortcoming is Apex's key characterisations feel shallow. You never get any real insight into the mind of the deranged serial killer or, for that matter, his would-be victim. Both remain distant and unknown. This is a major shortcoming. What starts out as a pursuit thriller which supports a more exposition-driven story and bare-bones characterisations quickly turns into a psychological thriller minus the psychological depth it needs to carry it forward. The abrupt finale really demonstrates the confusion as to what Apex is supposed to be.

Sadly, I can't say a lot of positives about acting either. The lead character's performance feels wooden and forced, which may well be down to character's limtiations in the script. The character of the "Brit/Aussie" serial killer is a little overcooked. He's what non Australian's think Australians are. I can say this wth confidence, as someone who lived in Sydney, for a number of years.

Action is well done and creative. Both actors have the physicality to carry the outback action convincingly, which does add a sense of realism.

In summary, whilst not unwatchable, I found myself viewing Apex in stops and starts over a couple of days, which is never a good sign. Its failure to decide what it wants to be, constructing a compelling story that reflects that decision is, in my estimation, its single biggest shortcoming. On the upside, action is well done, and yes, the location is compelling. A marginal 6/10 from me.