At the world premiere of her latest, Apex, Charlize Theron stated that it’s “my favorite movie I’ve ever made.” While audiences may not share that level of enthusiasm, the Oscar-winning actress’ latest—arriving on the heels of a string of misfires—is a return to solid ground for its headliner, a no-frills survival thriller that’s as rugged as its wilderness setting.
Designed to be seen on a big screen but premiering (with a surprising lack of fanfare) on Netflix, Apex (April 24) opens vertiginously, with Sasha (Theron) sticking her head out of the cramped tent she shares with her husband Tommy (Eric Bana) to gaze up, and down, the terrifying Norwegian mountain face to which their suspended shelter is tethered.
Director Baltasar Kormákur seamlessly blends the real and the CGI in this and subsequent death-defying shots, creating a harrowing sense of his characters’ precarious position. Things only get worse when, the next day, they attempt to reach the summit and are thwarted by a storm, during which an avalanche knocks out Tommy and, to avoid being dragged off the mountain, an anguished Sasha lets him plummet to his death.
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