Apex is a new thriller film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. It premiered on Netflix at 12:00 A.M. PT on April 24, 2026. The film stars Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton.
Before the film’s release, audiences expected a standard survival story. Sasha, played by Theron, is introduced as a mountain climber grieving her partner’s death. Tommy dies in an avalanche while climbing Norway’s Troll Wall. Viewers anticipated her journey would focus on overcoming this personal tragedy.
However, the plot quickly escalates into something more sinister. Within hours of her arrival in the Australian wilderness, Sasha encounters Ben—Egerton’s character—a psychopathic killer who hunts her for sport. This chilling twist redefines the narrative and shifts the focus from survival to a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Sasha’s struggle for survival becomes increasingly intense as she navigates deadly encounters with Ben. She must rely on her skills as a climber to escape his grasp. The film showcases intense physical demands, including climbing and kayaking, pushing Sasha to her limits—both physically and emotionally.
As of midday, critics have begun to weigh in on the film’s impact. Charlize Theron stated, “This movie really fired up my brain.” Her performance has been praised for its depth and intensity. Kormákur noted that reading the script felt “very visceral”—an experience that resonates with audiences looking for something primal.
Ben’s character adds another layer of horror; he uses his victims’ bodies to make beef jerky. This gruesome detail amplifies the stakes and highlights the depths of his psychopathy. Sasha’s fight for survival culminates in her reporting Ben’s murder spree after narrowly escaping his clutches.
The film is set against the backdrop of New South Wales’ rugged terrain, emphasizing both beauty and danger. As viewers dive into this thrilling narrative, they are left questioning what true survival means when faced with such evil.
