‘Apex’ Review: Reasons Women Prefer the Bear

Would you rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear? This thought-provoking hypothetical question, presented to women on TikTok in 2024, sparked a significant debate across social media platforms. Numerous videos showcased women’s preferences, with many opting for the bear. They voiced their concerns regarding rape culture while speculating that a man alone in the woods could pose a greater threat than a bear. Conversely, some expressed outrage over the notion that a random man might be perceived as more dangerous than a wild animal. The upcoming Netflix movie Apex is set to reignite this intense discussion.

To clarify, there is no bear in Apex. (Sorry for the spoiler!) Charlize Theron takes on the role of Sasha, a physically robust and resilient rock climber who seeks adventure in the Australian wilderness. Her plan is to kayak down wild rapids alone for some reflective solitude. However, her quest for peace is abruptly interrupted when she encounters Ben (played by Taron Egerton), who initially appears friendly but quickly reveals himself to be the most dangerous threat in this perilous landscape.

By pitting an iconic action heroine against a maniacal villain in a brutal wilderness, Apex delivers an exhilarating experience characterized by violence, action, gore, and the deep-seated fears that many women harbor.

Experience Heart-Pounding Suspense from the Very First Scene of Apex

Under the direction of Baltasar Kormákur, Apex opens with a serene scene. Sasha and her partner Tommy, portrayed by the rugged Eric Bana, awaken in a tent, greeted by the loud rush of wind outside. This powerful gust serves as a hint of their precarious location. Although both characters remain calm, the shocking revelation that they are precariously perched on the edge of a massive cliff left me breathless. I do not have a fear of heights, yet as cinematographer Lawrence Sher captures Theron peeking out of the tent, I was genuinely unsettled by the terrifying drop below.

The initial act follows this adventurous couple as they ascend the cliffside, engaging in light conversation. However, when disaster strikes, Apex shocks viewers not with their daring feats or the breathtaking scenery but rather with violence that is both brutal and traumatic. The aftermath of this incident will haunt Sasha’s next adventure, and it becomes clear to the audience just how far Kormákur is willing to go in depicting the brutal nature of violence and the life-or-death stakes involved.

Initially, Sasha’s encounter with Ben seems benign; he appears cheerful and even helpful. He intervenes when she faces some rough locals and offers her directions to a prime camping location. However, reminiscent of Kevin Bacon in The River Wild, there is a hint of danger lurking in Ben’s eyes, suggesting he is not to be trusted when it comes to this striking blonde woman. Predictably, he shifts from a helpful ally to a predatory hunter, warning Sasha to run as he readies his crossbow and aims it at her.

To paraphrase the popular Doofenshmirtz meme: If I had a nickel for every time an Academy Award–winning actress starred as a protagonist fighting for her survival against a charming yet deranged killer, portrayed by a typically affable leading man, I would have two nickels. It may not sound like much, but it is strange that it has happened twice.

Prepare for a Non-Stop Thrill Ride with Jaw-Dropping Action in Apex

Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in “Apex.”
Credit: Kane Skennar / Netflix

So much so that I lament the fact you won’t experience it in theaters, as critics did. Available for streaming on Netflix, the expansive wilderness, with its endless woods, rushing waters, steep cliffs, and hidden caves, that Sasha navigates in this twisted game of cat-and-mouse is visually stunning. The natural obstacles around her, while significant, are compounded by the fact that she is being pursued by a psychotic hunter, transforming the wilderness into an inescapable prison.

Sasha finds herself racing through dense forests, tumbling down steep ravines, battling her way through a roaring river, scaling cliff faces, and squeezing through uncharted caves, all while being hunted by this deranged villain. Much like The River Wild, there is a layer of psychological torment woven between the charismatic predator and his captive heroine. However, Theron’s character endures a far more brutal assault at the hands of both man and nature — though thankfully, not a bear.

The star of Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard leaps into action with fierce determination, showcasing both strength and composure under pressure. This juxtaposition makes her ordeal even more terrifying. This is not the typical teen babysitter being stalked by a suburban slasher, nor is it a devoted mother defending her family against an armed bank robber. From the outset, Sasha is depicted as tough and unyielding. Nonetheless, she is caught off guard by the façade of a “nice guy” with a hidden agenda of deeply ingrained misogyny. The fact that Egerton is physically smaller than Theron, coupled with Ben’s awkward yet genuinely friendly demeanor, only heightens the horror of this transformation. While not every woman may identify with Sasha, who is capable of scaling a hundred-foot-high cliff for sport, many can relate to the realization of misjudging a predator as a good guy.

Witness Taron Egerton’s Career-Defining Transformation in Apex

Taron Egerton in “Apex.”
Credit: Kane Skennar / Netflix

This talented English actor is crafting an unpredictable and thrilling career trajectory. He first gained recognition through the Kingsman film series, establishing himself as a leading man with charisma and comedic talent. In 2019, he took on the challenging role of a multifaceted Elton John in the musical biopic Rocketman, where he not only had to embody the vibrant essence of one of the greatest rock stars but also capture the quieter moments of desperation and isolation that fueled John’s struggles with addiction.

In Sing, he brought energy and enthusiasm to the role of a pop-loving gorilla, while in Tetris, he portrayed an ambitious American entrepreneur ensnared in Cold War intrigue and espionage. More recently, in Netflix’s Carry-On, he embodied an everyman thrust into the role of an action hero. But with Apex, he fully embraces the role of a villain.

As Ben, he executes a transformation reminiscent of Edward Norton in Primal Fear. His ability to oscillate between the cheerful stranger eager to assist a lost traveler and the cold-eyed predator with sinister intentions is absolutely captivating. It is not merely that Ben stalks Sasha like a deer in the woods. He revels in every moment of the torment he inflicts on her, whether physical or psychological.

Egerton immerses himself into the role with the same fervor he displayed in the musical sequences of Rocketman. He chews through the menacing lines in Jeremy Robbins‘ screenplay as if they were the jerky Ben sells at the local store. His wild cackles and howls echo through the wilderness, indicating to Sasha exactly where he is, as he asserts his dominance over her in his territory. Even a fleeting moment of levity, such as when Ben takes a skinny dip — with Kormákur giving viewers a glimpse of Egerton’s highly sought-after physique — is laced with horror. To Ben, this is a vacation, dancing carefree in the nude while Sasha frantically searches for an escape.

Apex is an unrelenting, exhilarating, and intensely frightening thriller where both Theron and Egerton deliver stellar performances in a brutal confrontation. Although it will be a thrilling watch at home, captivating audiences with its shocking twists and graphic gore, I pity those who miss the chance to experience the breathtaking landscapes and visceral violence that Kormákur has captured on the big screen. The grandeur and horrors truly come alive in a theatrical setting.

Apex premieres on Netflix on April 24.