Netflix is gearing up for one of its most anticipated releases of 2026 with Apex, a gripping survival thriller that pits two of Hollywood’s most dynamic stars against each other in a deadly game of predator and prey. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring Charlize Theron as a resilient adrenaline seeker and Taron Egerton as a chilling serial killer, the film transforms the stunning yet unforgiving Australian outback into a arena of terror. With breathtaking landscapes serving as both sanctuary and trap, Apex promises non-stop tension, raw physicality, and psychological depth, arriving exclusively on Netflix on April 24, 2026. This high-stakes chase, blending visceral action with emotional undercurrents, looks set to leave audiences breathless and redefining the survival genre.
At the center of Apex is Sasha, played by Charlize Theron—a grieving woman and extreme sports enthusiast who retreats to the remote wilderness of Australia’s Wandarra National Park and surrounding rugged terrains to find solace and push her limits. An accomplished rock climber and kayaker, Sasha embarks on a solo expedition involving treacherous cliff faces, raging rivers, and dense forests, seeking thrill and healing after personal loss. Her journey begins with exhilaration: scaling sheer mountains barefoot, navigating white-water rapids, and immersing herself in the raw beauty of nature. But this escape quickly turns nightmarish when she realizes she’s not alone. A ruthless serial killer, known only as Ben and portrayed by Taron Egerton, has been watching her, turning her adventure into his twisted hunt.
The plot unfolds as a classic yet intensified cat-and-mouse pursuit, echoing elements of survival classics but amplified by the vast, isolating Australian landscape. Ben, a calculated psychopath equipped with weapons like sniper rifles and crossbows, stalks Sasha with methodical precision, taunting her through voiceovers and close encounters that reveal his intimate knowledge of her life. What starts as a seemingly random targeting evolves into a layered confrontation, forcing Sasha to draw on her physical prowess and ingenuity to outmaneuver him. The wilderness itself becomes a formidable antagonist—harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and sheer drops test her endurance, while hidden dangers amplify the peril. As the chase intensifies, Sasha fights not just for survival but to turn the tables, leading to brutal hand-to-hand confrontations amid roaring waterfalls and precarious ledges.
The narrative delves deeper than mere pursuit, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and human predation. Sasha’s emotional vulnerability adds stakes beyond physical danger; her journey is one of reclamation, using the wilderness to confront inner demons only to face a very real one. Ben’s motivations hint at psychological complexity, making him more than a faceless villain—his chilling calm and predatory instinct create a terrifying foil. The film layers emotional depth into the action, questioning how far one will go to survive and what it means to be truly hunted. Director Baltasar Kormákur, known for harnessing natural elements as characters in films like Everest and Adrift, emphasizes authenticity here, filming on location in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains and other remote spots to capture the outback’s majestic brutality.
Supporting the leads is Eric Bana as Tommy, Sasha’s partner, whose role provides crucial emotional grounding and potential rescue dynamics, though details remain guarded to preserve twists. His presence adds interpersonal tension, exploring how personal relationships intersect with isolation and danger. The script, penned by Jeremy Robbins, balances relentless pacing with moments of quiet intensity, building suspense through near-misses, environmental hazards, and psychological warfare.
Charlize Theron delivers what promises to be another iconic action performance as Sasha. Renowned for her commitment to physically demanding roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and The Old Guard series, Theron trained extensively for this, learning rock climbing from scratch and performing most stunts herself—including barefoot ascents on real mountains and intense kayaking sequences. She has described the experience as grueling yet exhilarating, powering through injuries like a fractured toe to achieve raw authenticity. Theron’s Sasha is fierce, resourceful, and layered with vulnerability, showcasing her ability to blend toughness with profound emotion. Her portrayal captures the adrenaline junkie’s thrill-seeking spirit crumbling under terror, making Sasha a compelling protagonist audiences will root for fiercely.
In a bold against-type casting, Taron Egerton steps into the villain’s shoes as Ben, the serial killer. Best known for heroic or charming roles in the Kingsman films, Rocketman, and recent Netflix hit Carry-On, Egerton undergoes a striking transformation—sporting a shaved head and adopting a menacing demeanor. His performance in the teaser evokes cold calculation, with a foreboding voiceover that chills to the bone. Egerton brings nuance to the psychopath, hinting at depths that elevate Ben beyond stereotype, drawing on his dramatic range to make the hunter unnervingly human. This role marks an exciting shift, allowing him to explore darker territory while retaining the charisma that makes his threat all the more unsettling.
Eric Bana rounds out the core trio as Tommy, bringing his gravitas from roles in Hulk, Troy, and recent projects. As Sasha’s partner, Bana infuses reliability and quiet strength, contrasting the leads’ intense dynamic. His involvement, spanning several weeks of filming, adds relational stakes, with subtle performances that ground the thriller’s heightened action.
Kormákur’s direction shines in exploiting the Australian setting—no stand-ins or green screens for key sequences, ensuring visceral realism. The production faced genuine challenges in remote “no man’s land” locations, contributing to the film’s authentic grit. Producers, including Theron herself through her banner, prioritized practical effects and on-location shooting, resulting in jaw-dropping visuals of cascading rivers, towering cliffs, and shadowy forests that dwarf the characters.
Apex stands out in Netflix’s thriller lineup by combining star power with primal storytelling. Theron’s proven action pedigree meets Egerton’s fresh villainy in a stripped-down duel where wits and will determine survival. The film’s exploration of grief amid chaos adds resonance, while the unforgiving wilderness amplifies every heartbeat. As Sasha races against time and terrain, evading arrows and ambushes, the tension builds to explosive climaxes that promise to rival the genre’s best.
With its blend of heart-pounding chases, stunning cinematography, and powerhouse performances, Apex is poised to be a standout thriller. Beauty meets danger in the deadliest way, where one wrong step could mean the end—and only the strongest will reach the summit. Mark your calendars for April 24, 2026; this is one hunt you won’t want to miss.
