Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton shine in Netflix’s latest action/thriller, Apex, that makes for an enjoyable ride, even as the story needed just a bit more to it.
Apex (2026)
Directed By: Baltasar Kormákur
Written By: Jeremy Robbins
Starring: Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, Eric Bana
Release Date: April 24, 2026 on Netflix
Following the death of her significant other during a regular mountain climb, adrenaline junkie Sasha (Charlize Theron) heads to Australia to process her grief the only way she knows how: doing more dangerous stuff. Her journey brings her to Wandarra National Park where, despite the warnings about multiple adventurers going missing, she’s intent on kayaking the rapids and enjoying the solitude of nature.
Undeterred by the danger—or perhaps because of it—she goes it alone and finds an ideal spot thanks to the suggestion of a helpful local named Ben (Taron Egerton). He seems to have decent intentions, even if he comes across as incredibly awkward in just about every interaction. Sasha even warms up to him a bit, certainly more than the other locals she’s encountered, when they meet up again out in the wilderness.
Things quickly take a turn, however, as it’s revealed that Ben has lured Sasha to this place for one specific reason: to hunt her. Sasha’s trip becomes a struggle to survive not only the treacherous wilderness, but a deranged—highly skilled—killer.
I don’t want to go much further into the story aspects here in order to avoid spoilers. There are some interesting elements that are fun to learn as the story progresses (like the reason Ben is hunting/killing people and how wild he really is), but suffice it to say, Apex isn’t just Sasha hiding in the woods and dodging Ben. In fact, I’d be willing to argue the more interesting/intense bits of the story aren’t the cat-and-mouse aspect the marketing has relied on.
There’s a lot to enjoy in this film. The intensity remains pretty high, there are some gorgeous shots/competently put together action sequences, and great performances (more on that in a bit). It makes for an engaging ride that will definitely keep you invested throughout its, relatively quick, runtime.
That said, it still feels like it’s missing something. It’s hard to pinpoint, but mostly boils down to a story/plot that acts like it wants to be more than it is. As if it wants to flip some of the tropes of these kinda action/thrillers, but doesn’t do enough work to get there.
There are suggestions of a deeper story about Sasha dealing with the guilt she feels about the death of her loved one, and needing to rediscover her own will to live. There’s also some interesting things about Ben’s history and beliefs that’s sent him on this path. Some connections to ancient tribal rituals that manage to make him more horrifying than just a typical serial killer.
Unfortunately, all we really get of these are hints and suggestions. Passing references to something more profound, without diving into them more. The result is a survival thriller that’s pretty standard, albeit well done. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing! The real problem is the script’s attempts to take things deeper, but backing off of them, prevents the film from going whole hog on other bits. It doesn’t lean as far into the horror elements as it could. While the action is solid all around, there aren’t really those “holy shit” moments either that stand out.
Charlize Theron is always a hoot to watch. Her ability to convey a sense of “every woman” normalcy with the badassery needed for viewers to believe she could survive these things, gives Sasha a sense of depth/relatability the script doesn’t. Sasha’s story and overall character is relatively straightforward and cliche, but Theron knows how to make even those elements work when they probably shouldn’t. I need her to keep doing action flicks.
Egerton, however, delivers the most engaging performance that’ll keep you thinking about long after the credits roll. He brings the psychotic Ben to life in ways that are both interesting and terrifying. Everything from how he talks, to his mannerisms, and subtle facial expressions, has as much to do with ramping up the tension as the action itself. The way he seamlessly transitions from awkward goofball to genuinely menacing villain is eerie. It immediately puts you on edge. Even though you know that switch in the story is coming—even the poster makes it clear he’s the bad guy—it’s no less emotionally effective in the execution.
