‘Apex’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Divides Critics Over Charlize Theron’s New Netflix Thriller
Charlize Theron’s new film Apex is now streaming on Netflix, and early reactions are split. The movie is directed by Baltasar Kormákur and follows a survival story set in the mountains. Theron plays a rock climber who is hunted by a dangerous predator, played by Taron Egerton.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at 68% from critics based on 68 reviews. The audience score is lower at 54%, based on more than 500+ ratings. These numbers show a mixed response from both critics and viewers, with some praising the film and others finding it disappointing.
Several reviews agree on one thing: the performances stand out. Critics say Theron and Egerton both deliver strong work, and the film looks visually impressive. But many also feel the story does not go far enough.
CNET reviewer Aaron Pruner said the film pays too much attention to visuals and detail, but not enough to emotion. He described it as feeling “pretty hollow,” even though the acting and camera work were strong. He also pointed out that the story deals with grief and survival, which made the lack of emotional depth more noticeable.
Rodrigo Perez from The Playlist also pointed out that the film draws ideas from well-known survival stories like The Most Dangerous Game, Free Solo, and Deliverance. Still, he said it does not build enough tension or depth to fully work. He did, however, call Theron the film’s strongest point and said she does her best with the material.
Luke Buckmaster from The Guardian focused on the style of the film. He said it looks polished but feels empty, with little sense of real character or place behind the images.
Not all reactions were negative. Kristy Puchko from Mashable gave a more positive view. She called Apex a tense and fast-moving thriller and said Theron and Egerton make the central conflict work. She also described it as an enjoyable home watch.
Other reviews echo the split response. Some critics praise the action and pacing, while others say the story feels simple and predictable. One review highlighted Theron as a strong action lead who nearly carries the film on her own.
Overall, Apex is shaping up as a film that divides opinion. It has strong performances and striking visuals, but its story and emotional impact remain points of debate among critics.
Apex sounds like a classic case of a movie that looks great but may not fully connect on a deeper level. Still, strong acting can carry a film a long way, especially in survival thrillers like this. What do you think about mixed-reviewed films like this? Would you still watch it based on the cast alone? Share your thoughts in the comments.
