Baltasar Kormákur's "Apex"
Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
When the credits started rolling at the end, my friend Charlie turned to me and apologized for recommending this film for our regular weekly movie night.
It's a beautifully produced action film. Acting, stunt work, action sequences, music, editing – all are top-notch. Photography is gorgeous as we follow the characters from all angles via a multitude of swooping shots. When we watch Charlize Theron hanging by her fingernails from an overhanging cliff edge, we see her from all angles and always get a clear shot of the nothingness below.
But the main problem with the movie is the story. We've seen it all: creepy killer stalks independent woman through an increasingly desperate and harrowing sequence of physical chase sequences. Both main characters endure physical challenges that would destroy lesser mortals, but the hunter and the quarry are very evenly matched. The hunter is skilled, smart, and deranged. The quarry is also smart, driven, disciplined, and superhumanly resilient to physical injury.
I just wish all this effort had been devoted to something more memorable, but dwelling too long on that sentiment would be committing the cardinal sin of too many reviewers: reviewing the film that was not made.
Review copyright (c) 2026 by Dennis D. McDonald
