Davailable from today on Netflix, Apex promises to become one of the most viewed titles on the platform. Successful mix between survival movies, thrillers and action, see Charlize Theron hunted by a cannibalistic serial killer (Taron Egerton) in the most hostile territories of Australia. A breathtaking film not only for the incredible special effects and for the terrifying natural beauties but above all for the great performances by the two protagonists.
Apex: the plot of the film now streaming on Netflix
Sasha (Charlize Theron) and her husband Tommy (Eric Bana) are avid climbers who decide to face the terrible Troll Wall in Norway. During the escursion, weather conditions worsen drastically and, while they try to descend, an avalanche overwhelms the man, killing him. Five months later, Sasha takes a trip to Australia, his native countryto visit one of his favorite beaches and throw into the sea the compass from which man never separated. Stopping at Wandarra National Park, Sasha meets some localschauvinists and misogynists to the core, who begin to bother her.
Ben (Taron Egerton), a local young man, comes to his defense That suggests some suggestive routes for kayaking and climbing. Sasha accepts the advice and camps near the river, surrounded by lush nature. But the next day he finds Ben again who, after inviting her to have breakfast with him, reveals his true nature: he is a ruthless serial killer, psychopath and cannibal. Armed with a crossbow, he chooses her as his next victim. It starts like this a last-gasp hunt among woods and rivers: Sasha tries to save herself in every way.
Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in a scene from “Apex”. (Netflix)
A compelling and masterfully interpreted survival movie, the review
Directed by Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, Apex is a gripping survival thriller that manages to captivate the viewer from the first scenes at very high altitude thanks to an intense and immediately engaging atmosphere. Halfway between Split by M. Night Shyamalan and the cult A quiet weekend of fear by John Boorman, the film proceeds at a brisk pace, keeping the tension constant and exploiting intelligently natural settings. Transforming them into a fundamental element and a sort of third protagonist of the story.
Charlize Theron at the American premiere of “Apex”. (Getty Images)
With an essential but effective style, the director focuses on realism and action, leaving introspection aside psychological. A choice that it doesn’t penalize the filmindeed it enhances its great spectacularity. Almost a b-movie, but shot with a very high budget, Apex it is full of well-thought-out twists and can count on an extraordinary pair of leading actors.
Taron Egerton is a psychopath with animalistic strength while Charlize Theron gives an intense and physical performance. A perfect combination where the balance between prey and hunter slowly shifts: at the beginning it is Ben who traps and torments Sasha, then it is the woman who hunts him. A reversal of perspective thatlike the wounds of its protagonists, penetrates under the viewer’s skin.
The cast of Apex: the protagonists Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton
«This is my absolute favorite film I’ve made in over 30 years. The logistics, the end result, the alchemy, the chemistry, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Charlize Theron said this in an interview to The Playlist, a few days before the debut of Apex on Netflix.
For the South African actress, Apex it is the definitive confirmation of her status as the queen of actiona “qualification” achieved in the field about ten years ago thanks to the role of Furious in George Miller’s masterpiece Mad Max: Fury Road.
After recovering from the fatigue of filming, Charlize returned to the set soon: first in theOdyssey by Christopher Nolan – where she will be Calypso –, then alongside Daniel Craig in the film Two for the Money. This one waiting to roll the sequel to Blonde atomicanother action title that has become a small cult contemporary.
Welsh actor and singer born in 1989, Taron Egerton instead became famous with the role of Gary “Eggsy” Unwin in the films Kingsman – Secret Service And Kingsman – The Golden Circle. In 2020, however, he conquers critical acclaim for his portrayal of Elton John in the film Rocketmanfor which he was awarded the Golden Globes for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Film. Soon we will see him again in the comic thriller Everybody Wants to F*ck Me.