Charlize Theron‘s new movie, Apex, is now streaming on Netflix to split reactions from critics, as shown by its middling Rotten Tomatoes score.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the movie follows Theron’s rock climber, who struggles to survive against a vicious cannibalistic hunter, played by Taron Egerton, who has marked her as his next prey.
Apex reviews and Rotten Tomatoes score show what critics are saying
Apex currently holds an approval rating of 66% from critics on the Tomatometer, based on 53 reviews and a lower audience score of 56% drawn from over 250 ratings on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. The lacklustre scores appear to be the result of several negative reviews among a good number of positive ones — which, while acknowledging the solid visuals and Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton‘s impressive performances — take issue with the film’s lack of depth and failure to reach its potential.
CNET‘s Aaron Pruner noted that Apex’s focus on “tactile detail” came at the cost of “emotional depth” in the narrative. He added that despite Theron and Egerton’s solid acting, strong camerawork, and visuals, the film felt “pretty hollow.” He further stated, “That’s a sad thing to type, considering the notion that this is a story about loss, grief, and survival.”
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Perez of The Playlist said that although the film takes inspiration from movies like The Most Dangerous Game, Free Solo, and Deliverance, it does not deliver the “depth, tension, or psychological bite” to ensure a “compelling” tale.
However, Perez praised Theron’s performance, calling her the film’s “main asset.” He noted that she worked skillfully with the material, but was unable to elevate a “dull” script despite her talents.
Meanwhile, The Guardian‘s Luke Buckmaster criticized the film for focusing on style over substance. He wrote, “The whole affair feels slick but soulless, with no personality or – despite the lush settings – any real sense of place.”
However, not all reviews of the film were critical. Kristy Puchko of Mashable wrote, “Apexis a relentless, exciting, and nerve-rattlingly scary thriller, wherein Theron and Egerton bring their very best to a brutal face-off.” Furthermore, she deemed it “a fun watch at home.”
