In the Lost Lands (2025)

Paul W.S. Anderson’s In the Lost Lands is a visually ambitious dark fantasy film that struggles to fully deliver on its potential. While it offers a compelling world and intriguing themes, inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped character arcs keep it from reaching greatness.

Set in a dystopian future where the remnants of humanity cling to survival, the film follows Gray Alys, a powerful witch played by Milla Jovovich. She is renowned for her ability to grant any wish—but at a price. Tasked by the Queen to acquire the power of shapeshifting, Alys ventures into the treacherous Lost Lands. Accompanied by the enigmatic warrior Boyce, portrayed by Dave Bautista, she must navigate a world filled with dark creatures, dangerous landscapes, and the haunting consequences of fulfilled desires.

Based on George R.R. Martin’s 1982 short story, the film attempts to blend mediaeval mysticism with post-apocalyptic desolation. Anderson’s style reflects elements of his previous work in the Resident Evil franchise, combining action-heavy sequences with atmospheric world-building. This blend is ambitious but at times disjointed, making it difficult for the audience to become fully immersed.

At its core, the story revolves around the dangers of unchecked desires, exploring the idea that getting what you wish for can come at an unbearable cost. This is a theme that has been explored successfully in other dark fantasy works, yet here, the execution feels uneven. The narrative is occasionally bogged down by convoluted subplots that detract from the main arc, leaving certain character motivations and emotional beats underdeveloped.

Jovovich brings her signature action-hero presence to the role of Gray Alys, portraying her with a stoic intensity. While this adds to the character’s mystique, it also creates an emotional distance that makes it hard to invest in her journey. Bautista delivers a solid performance as Boyce, balancing his usual tough-guy persona with moments of quiet depth. Their on-screen chemistry, however, feels somewhat flat, lacking the dynamic tension that could have elevated their interactions.

From a visual standpoint, the film presents a striking, desolate landscape that effectively conveys a sense of isolation and danger. Cinematographer Glen MacPherson employs a muted colour palette to heighten the grim atmosphere, though the overuse of sepia tones makes the world feel somewhat monotonous. The production design features some interesting elements, but many aspects feel too familiar, borrowing heavily from existing fantasy and sci-fi tropes without adding much originality.

Special effects are a mixed bag. Some creature designs are imaginative and successfully evoke a sense of wonder and dread, while others fall flat, exposing the film’s reliance on CGI. The effects don’t always integrate seamlessly, occasionally disrupting the immersion rather than enhancing it.

Editing plays a significant role in the film’s uneven pacing. Certain sequences rush through important character moments, while others linger too long on exposition, slowing the momentum. This inconsistency prevents the film from building the tension needed to fully engage us.

Dialogue varies in quality, sometimes striving for poetic weight but often coming across as overly dramatic or clichéd. The film introduces interesting symbolic elements, such as the werewolf motif representing primal desires, but these ideas remain underexplored, missing the chance to add deeper layers to the narrative.

The soundtrack, composed by Paul Haslinger, does a respectable job of reinforcing the film’s dark and brooding tone. The music is atmospheric and haunting, though there are moments where it overpowers the scenes rather than complementing them.

While the film aspires to stand alongside epic fantasy adaptations like The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, it lacks the cohesion and depth required to truly resonate. Despite glimpses of potential, it ultimately struggles to leave a lasting impact due to its fragmented storytelling and uneven execution.

For those who enjoy stylised fantasy action and don’t mind a story that prioritises visuals over character depth, In the Lost Lands offers an entertaining—if flawed—experience. Those looking for a richly developed world and compelling emotional arcs may find themselves wanting more.