After the tragedy that was The Old Guard 2, I could not expect much from Charlize Theron’s next attempt at a film with Netflix. There are so many more upcoming films of hers that I have been excited for. So, yes, I admit I was hesitant when I saw that she would be starring in Apex releasing in April on the platform. Biased as I am, however, the streamer won this round with Theron’s casting. I would be set no matter what.
Back at it again, producing and starring in another film, Theron brings the world one more action packed, high-stakes thriller. In her latest film with Netflix, Theron is working with Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, writer Jeremy Robbins, and fellow actor Taron Egerton. In the Australian outback, Netflix subscribers will soon be able to witness Apex in full glory. Originally set in America, after watching it becomes clear that the development of the film throughout Australia instead, helped its success and enjoyment.
Hunt. Survive. How very bleak of an introduction into Apex. Grieving after a loss, Sasha (Theron) heads on an adventure in the Australian wilderness. Pushing her luck on a solo adventure, she meets Ben (Egerton). As she goes deeper in the forest, she finds herself caught in a twisted game with a clever killer thinking she is his newest victim of prey.
Netflix content tends to be more enjoyable in the long form, like any of their series. So, with the release of Apex, I had low expectations. Yet somehow from the beginning, my first thought was while yes I am enjoying it, it would be so much better on the big screen. Kormákur clearly crafted his film around the Australian wilderness, showing us the vastness of its landscape. No matter where the characters find themselves, the audience gets to witness the beauty and horror that is found in this gigantic country. The only downside is how small of a screen we see it on, and how big of an addition it could have been to see this in cinemas.
Not only can we visually see the terrain and terror of the Australian wilderness, but we get a strong glimpse into these characters’ lives. Through a compelling story written by Robbins, audiences are thankfully given the chance to be taken on a wild ride with a protagonist they feel they know. I know for sure that I am so used to seeing Theron in a more heroic and strong role, yet in Apex those qualities are there, just not in the way you would expect. A compelling story is shared as we witness one woman running away from her grief and into the trap of an insane killer. Will she, won’t she? The question is constantly on your mind. As we typically see films end with the protagonists on top, the way in which Robbins writes his script here, it does become hard to tell.
Apex, though it may be an action thriller, also comes down to its actors at heart. While we have Theron playing a grieving woman and Egerton a complete psychopath, Eric Bana has skills that are also well used. Like Kormákur stated in an early behind the scenes interview, “We really pushed it to the limit, but her resilience is incredible.” In that statement, I believe it goes to show just how relatable Theron is to her character of Sasha. For sure neither is in the same mind space, but the grit and determination in Theron constantly wanting to push for the best when making action films can most definitely be seen within Sasha’s constant need to push her luck.
While Egerton transfers his skills and roots them into Ben, as a deadly killer, and Bana is innocent and emotional in the limited screen time he has, it is in Theron’s performance where we find ourselves more invested. Her co-stars have characters whose emotional states remain quite neutral, but in her character Sasha, there is so much more there to work with. As the protagonist of the film, we witness her through ups and downs. From wanting to do so much, then grieving, and back to pushing herself to the limits, Sasha truly lives through many mental states in under half a year. Thanks to Theron, we get to experience this with Sasha. I do believe that, in my viewing, Sasha is the character who verbally says the least in the film. Yet, she does not need to speak much when we can understand how she feels and perhaps even thinks simply through the visuals and physical motions Theron choses to make.
While Apex might be about one woman’s need to survive physically, it is inherently about a mental survival. Running through the woods, escaping this serial killer, Sasha must win. It is a fight for survival. A fight that is just as emotional as it is physical. Through her facial expressions, and physical effort Theron attributes to the character, more than one journey is taken. As a character, Sasha transforms from a grief stricken women into someone who proves to herself what she can do. It is about overcoming grief and fear in order to learn what you truly are made of.
Films like Apex become multifaceted. As the viewer you get the chance to witness a stellar feat visually, but when you take the chance to dive deeper, you can see how much effort the filmmakers and cast go through to produce something like this for their audience. Theron and Egerton give us each something new, while also staying true to their past roles. Sitting back and taking the time to think about it, after having enjoyed what I got to watch, there is also pleasure in what you see after you watch.
Apex is a Netflix film that surprises you. Of course, with a cast and filmmaking crew such as this, you are going to have your target audience. But, if you set it up as if it is simply an action thriller, there are so many viewers who might be surprised in what they see. Though Apex would have been brilliant to watch on the big screen, I suppose a small screen in the comfort of your own home will have to do. Do yourself a favour and prepare for Apex to release on the streaming platform Friday 24 April, 2026.
★★★
On Netflix April 24th / Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, Eric Bana, Caitlin Stasey, Bessie Holland, Zachary Garred / Dir: Baltasar Kormákur / Netflix / 15
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