‘Apex’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Sparks Debate Over Charlize Theron’s New Netflix Thriller Reception

Charlize Theron’s new survival thriller Apex is now streaming on Netflix, and early reactions from critics are divided. The film, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, has sparked debate after its Rotten Tomatoes score showed a clear split between praise and criticism.

In the movie, Theron plays a rock climber fighting to survive in the wild after being targeted by a dangerous hunter, played by Taron Egerton. The story focuses on survival, tension, and the brutal struggle between the two characters.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Apex holds a critics’ score in the mid-range, with a stronger divide between positive and negative reviews than a clear consensus. Audience reactions are also mixed, showing a similar split in opinion.

Some critics praised the film’s performances and visuals but felt the story lacked emotional depth. Aaron Pruner from CNET said the movie focused too much on detail and not enough on feeling. He described it as visually strong but ultimately empty, adding, “That’s a sad thing to type, considering the notion that this is a story about loss, grief, and survival.”

Rodrigo Perez from The Playlist said the film pulls inspiration from well-known survival stories but does not reach the same level of tension or impact. He also highlighted Theron’s performance, calling her the strongest part of the film, even if the script did not support her enough.

Luke Buckmaster from The Guardian was also critical, saying the movie looks polished but lacks personality. He described it as visually appealing but emotionally flat.

Not all reactions were negative. Kristy Puchko from Mashable gave a more positive review, calling the film an intense and exciting survival thriller. She said, “Apex is a relentless, exciting, and nerve-rattlingly scary thriller,” and added that it works well as an entertaining home watch.

Other reviewers were also split. Some praised the pacing and action scenes, while others felt the story was predictable and underdeveloped. A few critics noted that Theron still delivered a strong performance even when the material around her fell short.

Overall, Apex is proving to be one of those films that divides opinion rather than unites it. The mix of strong acting, sharp visuals, and weaker storytelling has left critics unable to agree on its final quality.

This kind of reaction often means the film will still find an audience, even if critics are not fully aligned. It raises a simple question about what matters more in survival thrillers: strong performances and visuals, or a deeper emotional story. What do you think about the mixed response to Apex? Share your thoughts in the comments.