In the Lost Lands (2025) Review

In the Lost Lands (2025) Review

Based on a short story by bestselling author George R.R. Martin (A GAME OF THRONES) and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (RESIDENT EVIL, MONSTER HUNTER), IN THE LOST LANDS follows the powerful sorceress Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich) as she journeys into the dangerous “Lost Lands.” Guided by the mysterious gunslinger Boyce (Dave Bautista), they must outwit and outfight both man and demon as they search for an elusive magical power…

Anderson follows up his 2020 MONSTER HUNTER with another lavish fantasy adventure epic starring genre favourite Jovovich; the cast also includes breakout star Amara Orekeke in her film debut, Fraser James (TERMINATOR: DARK FATE), and Arly Jover (BLADE). Featuring a superb score by Paul Haslinger (UNDERWORLD), outstanding visual effects by Dennis Berardi (THE SHAPE OF WATER), and beautifully shot by Glen MacPherson (the RESIDENT EVIL films), IN THE LOST LANDS is epic filmmaking at its most exciting and visionary.

Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista have always proven to be a welcome addition to any film cast and their combined presence here keeps this otherwise sluggish fantasy film watchable. I was aware, before I sat down to review IN THE LOST LANDS, that it failed to find much of an audience at the box-office and win over the critics, which is much the same for many of director Paul W.S. Anderson’s films. Of that director’s output, his 1997 EVENT HORIZON stands out as his pièce de resistance. Unfortunately, IN THE LOST LANDS is lacklustre, dull, and instantly forgettable.

As seems to be increasingly the case nowadays with big screen releases, the film’s special effects aren’t, they are more ‘mediocre’ special effects. It makes you yearn for a big return to practical effects. There’s a wee twist towards the film’s climax but aside from this last-minute reveal IN THE LOST LANDS plods along lifelessly, much like the two main characters – which no fault of the actors, it’s what they are called upon to do. I wanted to like this post-apocalyptic sci-fi fantasy so much more but alas it lacked excitement and was further hampered by static action sequences and dialogue.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE

IN THE LOST LANDS will be available to buy and rent from digital platforms on 28 April, and on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K UHD and VOD on 2 June

An HMV Exclusive 4K UHD Edition, including limited edition art cards and an alternative cover, will be available from 2 June