Forget romantic nature walks and the search for inner peace. When action queen Charlize Theron heads into the wilderness, we know sparks are going to fly—and probably a few limbs, too. Netflix has just given us the first, chilling look at Apex, which sees fan favorite Taron Egerton transform into a psychopathic hunter. Get your popcorn (and maybe some tranquilizers) ready, because this spring’s most intense game of cat and mouse is about to begin.
If you've ever thought about "unplugging" and going alone into untouched nature, the first trailer for Apex movie probably convinced you to stay home on the safe couch with the alarm system turned on. Director Baltasar Kormákur, who clearly enjoys putting his actors in impossible survival situations (just think of the films Everest or Adrift), takes us this time to the raw and unforgiving Australian outback.
The story sounds classic on paper, but the execution promises a modern twist on the genre. Charlize Theron plays a woman dealing with loss and grief. What do you do when your life falls apart? You go into nature, of course. But instead of catharsis, she finds something much more sinister. Taron Egerton, who we are used to as a charming spy in Kingsman or a dazzling Elton John in Rocketman, throws all his charm here. His character is a calculating serial killer who has chosen the wrong woman for his next trophy hunt. The Australian wilderness is no longer just a backdrop, but becomes a deadly arena where only one rule applies: kill or be killed.
When Furiosa meets Elton John (in the worst possible way)
Let's be honest - if you had to pick one person in Hollywood you wouldn't want to get into a physical fight with, it's Charlize Theron. The woman survived Mad Max, fought in high heels in Atomic Blonde, and is an immortal warrior in The Old Guard. The idea of her being the "prey" is almost laughable, and that's where the genius of the film lies. Apex turns the power dynamic on its head.
Theron hinted in a recent interview that the stunts in this film surpassed even her wildest action sequences. And believe me, the bar is set high. While filming in a remote Australian “no man’s land,” the actress gritted her teeth and continued filming despite a broken toe. This isn’t just acting; it’s the kind of masochism we love about her. While most of us would call an ambulance if we had a broken toenail, Charlize runs through the bush and fights for her life.
On the other hand, we have Egerton. Seeing him play a cold-blooded psychopath is refreshing and deeply disturbing at the same time. Even in the trailer, his voice calmly explains how long he's been watching his victim, which makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The chemistry between hunter and prey is obvious, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a machete (which someone in the film will probably use).
A director who loves extreme conditions
Baltasar Kormákur is not a director who shoots in a comfortable studio with a green screen and air conditioning. No, this the man wants mud, blood, sweat and genuine suffering. Apex is visually stunning, yet brutal. The Australian landscape is shot in a way that feels both majestic and claustrophobic. Every rock, every tree and every sound in the wilderness can mean salvation or death.
Jeremy Robbins' script promises a "visceral experience," which means you'll probably be holding your breath while watching. Alongside the main duo, the film also features local star Eric Bana, adding that much-needed touch of Australian authenticity. Bana, who's been under-appreciated in big-budget productions lately, is always a welcome addition to any ensemble, especially when it comes to thrillers that demand a certain amount of gravitas.
Why do you have to stay home on April 24th?
In a world where action movies are often overloaded with special effects and superheroes in leggings, Apex It works as a return to raw, primal cinema. It's about psychological and physical endurance. It's about what happens when a person is reduced to the basic instinct of survival.
Will it be Charlize managed to turn the tables and become a hunter? Will Taron be able to maintain his composure when he realizes he has chosen a victim who bites back? These are the questions that will torment us until spring. Netflix has thrown down the gauntlet with this trailer. April 24th is the date when we will all collectively sit down in front of our screens and cheer for Charlize. Until then – if you go into the wild, at least take a compass with you. And maybe don't trust strangers with too perfect a British accent.
