‘In The Lost Lands’ Review: Paul W.S. Anderson’s Latest Film Is Entertaining But Frustrating
Paul W.S. Anderson is a divisive filmmaker. From his cinematic adaptations of Resident Evil to the hells of Event Horizon, his works aren’t loved by all, but there’s no denying his dedication to creating pure cinematic spectacle. I proudly declare myself a staunch Anderson supporter, loving his epic stories that are often, yes, style over substance, but still full of heart. And that’s no different in his new film In The Lost Lands, based on the novella by George R. R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame. While certainly a visual spectacle—especially because the team built the world in Unreal Engine—the story is muddier than the colors of the Lost Lands themselves. The result is a vibes-first film that delivers a post-apocalyptic-Western hybrid with fascinating world-building that teases a more interesting story than the one presented on screen.
The world has fallen apart and any survivors live in a city governed by a Christo-fascist cult. Led by Patriarch Johan (Fraser James) and his violent enforcers, anyone who goes against the will of God must be eliminated. Enter witch Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich), who suffers a curse: she must do whatever is requested of her. So, when Queen Melange (Amara Okereke) comes to her asking for the means to become a werewolf so she can be with her nameless true love instead of the dying Overlord (yes, there’s an Overlord and a religious Patriarch, don’t ask questions), Gray Alys must fulfill her demands. But those demands require the witch to wander into the Lost Lands, slaughter a notorious werewolf, and bring its skin back to the queen. Why? Because.
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So she recruits a guide: Boyce (Dave Bautista), a post-apocalyptic cowboy who wields a two-headed rattlesnake just as adeptly as a pistol. Together, they venture into the dangerous territory, ready to face whatever awaits them in the treacherous wastelands.
But, importantly, Gray Alys is also an enemy of the state because she was previously sentenced to death by hanging for being a witch. (Some things never change, do they?) So not only is the duo dodging attacks from the undead, but they’re also constantly battling religious enforcers and their cruel leader Ash (Arly Jover). Are you keeping up? There’s also a traitorous knight, attempts at political intrigue, zombies, and a mess of other plot elements that mash together into
Now I will admit, a lot of this plot isn’t quite clear with what’s presented on screen. Yes, we see Jovovich and Bautista traipse across the Lost Lands and fight all matters of enemies. But why exactly? Werewolves. Don’t worry about it! A post-apocalyptic society under Christo-fascist rule by both an Overlord and a religious figurehead? Neat! In The Lost Lands is a film that you just let wash over you and if you’re ready to ride the wave, you’re in for quite the ride.
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I’m often one to apologize for movies with ridiculous stories that contain more holes than a pair of old socks. And truly, In The Lost Lands is no exception. But the most disappointing thing about it is how it looks. As I said earlier in my review, Anderson knows how to craft a visual spectacle, whether it’s soldiers getting sliced and diced or monsters swimming across deserts. But somehow, he’s taken two steps back with this film, creating a world soaked in muddy browns that somehow feel both epic and flat all at once. He took a chance building his world out in Unreal Engine, which is a fascinating and innovative use of software traditionally used for building video games and 3D graphics. But the choice to make the Lost Lands a boring monotone color palette zaps the soul out of the world building on display.
It’s a shame, because there really is some incredible world-building going on here, especially when it comes to establishing the iconography of the ruling religious sect. Massive crosses loom over the landscape while religious garb is ridiculously ostentatious. Also, all of the enforcers, who are dressed as what resemble medieval crusaders, inexplicably wear aviators. Completely out of place in the film’s overall vibe, but who cares! That’s why I love Anderson, because he truly does what he wants.
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And yet, what he wants in In The Lost Lands never coalesces into a cohesive narrative or visual experience. Anderson’s ambition hasn’t wavered one bit, but the execution here is shaky. Sure, it’s great to watch Jovovich kick ass with a chic mullet and a wardrobe straight out of Free People. Yeah, Bautista gets to play a gruff cowboy with ridiculous one-liners. But these disparate, ridiculous parts aren’t enough to make In The Lost Lands something great. You’ll have to settle for something fine. And sometimes that’s good enough for me.
In The Lost Lands is out now in theaters.
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In The Lost Lands (2025)
Summary
In The Lost Lands never coalesces into a cohesive narrative or visual experience.
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