✅ “In the Lost Lands” (2025) is a fantasy-adventure film directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, based on a short story by George R. R. Martin. The movie follows the journey of a powerful sorceress, Gray Alys, who is hired by a queen to venture into the perilous Lost Lands to find a magical power that allows for a person to transform into a werewolf. Starring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista, the film is a visually driven spectacle that blends post-apocalyptic themes with sword-and-sorcery elements. It has received a mixed critical reception, with praise for its action and lead performances but criticism for its dialogue and special effects.

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6.5/10

In the Lost Lands

Director: Paul W. S. Anderson

Writers: Constantin Werner

Stars: Milla Jovovich, Dave Bautista, Arly Jover

Country: Germany, Switzerland

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Adventure

Languages: German, English, Ndebele

Overview: A queen sends the powerful and feared sorceress Gray Alys to the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands in search of a magical power, where she and her guide, the drifter Boyce, must outwit and outfight both man and demon.

TMDb: View on TMDb

In the Lost Lands (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: In the Lost Lands (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: $55 Million
• Revenue: $6.1 Million (Worldwide, as of late June 2025)
• Runtime: 101 Minutes (1 Hour 41 Minutes)
• Release Date: March 7, 2025 (United States)
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Cast: Milla Jovovich, Dave Bautista, Amara Okereke, Arly Jover, Sebastian Stankiewicz
• Directors: Paul W. S. Anderson
• Screenplay: Paul W. S. Anderson, Constantin Werner (based on a story by George R. R. Martin)
• Studios & Producers: Constantin Film, Spark Productions, FilmNation Entertainment (Producers: Jeremy Bolt, Paul W. S. Anderson, Milla Jovovich, Dave Bautista, Robert Kulzer)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

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Plot Summary

“In the Lost Lands” is based on a collection of three short stories by acclaimed fantasy author George R. R. Martin. The film focuses on the titular story, centering on the formidable and feared sorceress, Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich). She is summoned to a remote and ghostly wilderness known as the Lost Lands by a desperate queen (Amara Okereke). The queen’s mission for Alys is perilous: she must find a magical power that grants the ability to transform into a werewolf. To aid her on this dangerous quest, Alys is paired with a rugged drifter and guide, Boyce (Dave Bautista). As they venture deeper into the haunted terrain, they face not only monstrous creatures and demons but also cunning men who stand in their way. The journey tests their wits, their strength, and their very beliefs. The narrative is a classic quest, but it is steeped in the dark, gritty fantasy style that George R. R. Martin is known for, brought to life through director Paul W. S. Anderson’s distinct visual flair. It’s a tale of survival, magic, and confronting one’s inner demons, both literal and metaphorical.

Cast & Crew

The film’s casting is a major draw, headlined by frequent collaborator and director’s wife, Milla Jovovich, in the role of Gray Alys. Jovovich’s long history with action and genre films makes her a perfect fit for the role of a formidable sorceress. Her performance is noted for bringing a much-needed gravitas to the sometimes-cheesy proceedings. Dave Bautista, known for his work in both action and dramatic roles, portrays the drifter Boyce, providing a strong physical presence and a compelling counterpoint to Jovovich’s magical character. The on-screen chemistry between the two leads is a key element of the film. The supporting cast includes Amara Okereke as the queen and Arly Jover as a formidable enforcer. At the helm is Paul W. S. Anderson, a director celebrated for his stylish, video-game-inspired action films, particularly the “Resident Evil” series. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Constantin Werner. The original story by George R. R. Martin provides a solid, dark fantasy foundation, which Anderson adapts with his signature visual style.

Critical & Audience Response

“In the Lost Lands” has received a mixed-to-negative reception from critics and audiences alike. On the one hand, some reviews praise the film as a “fun, turn off your brain” B-movie, highlighting the entertaining fight scenes and the undeniable on-screen presence of Jovovich and Bautista. Critics who appreciate Paul W. S. Anderson’s signature style found this to be a classic entry in his filmography, filled with his trademark visual flair and over-the-top action. However, a significant portion of the criticism is directed at the screenplay and dialogue, which many have called “robotic,” “lifeless,” and “painfully predictable.” The film’s reliance on CGI has also been a point of contention, with some reviewers describing it as “ugly” and “cheesy.” The box office performance has been disappointing, with the film grossing only a fraction of its budget worldwide. Despite the mixed reviews, audiences who went in with low expectations for a pulpy fantasy-adventure seemed to have a better time, viewing it as a watchable, one-time experience rather than a cinematic masterpiece.

Direction & Cinematography

Paul W. S. Anderson’s direction is a defining element of the film, as he brings his distinct visual aesthetic to the dark fantasy genre. The film is characterized by fast-paced action, dynamic camera movements, and a stylized, often over-the-top, approach to violence. He is more interested in creating a kinetic and visually stimulating experience than a deeply immersive world. The cinematography, handled by Glen MacPherson, contributes to the film’s gritty, post-apocalyptic feel. The Lost Lands are depicted as a desolate, desolate wasteland, and the camera work effectively captures the brutal combat and the bleak environment. However, some critics have pointed out that the visual style can feel uninspired and flat at times, a consequence of the film’s heavy reliance on green-screen production. Despite this, Anderson’s direction ensures that the film is never boring, moving from one action set piece to the next with a consistent, frenetic energy.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score for “In the Lost Lands” is composed by Paul Haslinger, a frequent collaborator with Anderson. Haslinger’s score is a mix of electronic and orchestral elements, designed to complement the film’s action and fantasy themes. The music is at its best during the high-stakes combat sequences, where it effectively builds tension and drives the pace. In the more dramatic or dialogue-heavy scenes, the score can feel generic and fails to add much depth to the emotional moments. It often relies on a pulsating, driving rhythm that works well for chases and fights but is less effective for character development. Overall, the score serves its purpose as a functional action movie soundtrack, but it lacks the memorable themes or nuanced compositions found in other epic fantasy films.

Visuals & Special Effects

The visual effects in “In the Lost Lands” are a subject of considerable debate. The film’s $55 million budget is not insignificant, but the heavy use of CGI has been criticized by many. The “digital demons” and other creatures often look unconvincing, leading to a “video game” aesthetic that detracts from the film’s immersive quality. The werewolf transformation effects, a key plot point, are also a mixed bag. On the positive side, the production design of the “Lost Lands” and the costuming are impressive, creating a distinct and gritty look for the world. However, the special effects, particularly the CGI, often fall short of modern standards, which may have contributed to the film’s poor box office performance. While the film attempts to create a sprawling fantasy world, the execution of its digital elements feels dated and is a significant negative for many viewers.

Editing & Screenplay

The film’s editing is fast and propulsive, a hallmark of Paul W. S. Anderson’s style. The action sequences are well-cut to maximize their impact, creating a sense of urgency. The screenplay, however, is a major source of criticism. Based on a George R. R. Martin short story, the film struggles to translate its literary source material into compelling cinematic dialogue. Reviewers have described the lines as “robotic, lifeless, and completely devoid of natural flow.” The plot is straightforward and follows a predictable fantasy quest structure, leading some to call it “a glorified B-movie.” The screenplay’s weak point is its character development, which is shallow at times, relying more on the charisma of the leads than on compelling storytelling. Despite the narrative shortcomings, the tight editing keeps the film moving and ensures it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Positives / What Works

The strongest elements of “In the Lost Lands” are the performances of Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista, who bring their star power and action credentials to their roles. The action sequences are entertaining and well-choreographed, offering a visceral cinematic experience for fans of the genre. Director Paul W. S. Anderson’s signature style is on full display, making the film a visually kinetic and fast-paced adventure. For those who enjoy “turn off your brain” fantasy-adventure films, the movie’s simplicity and focus on action over plot complexity is a positive. The film also has a strong connection to George R. R. Martin’s work, which is a major draw for his fans.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

The film’s most significant weaknesses are the dialogue and screenplay, which have been widely panned as flat and uninspired. The CGI is often unconvincing and has been described as “ugly” and “cheesy,” which hurts the film’s immersive quality. The plot is predictable, following a generic quest structure without adding much originality. The film’s poor performance at the box office suggests that it failed to connect with a wider audience, possibly due to a weak marketing campaign or negative word-of-mouth. The film’s overall production quality feels more like a direct-to-video release than a major theatrical film, despite its budget.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“In the Lost Lands” is a mixed bag. It’s a film that knows what it wants to be: a stylish, action-packed fantasy adventure. Fans of Paul W. S. Anderson’s previous work, particularly the “Resident Evil” series, will find a lot to like here. The lead performances by Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista are a definite highlight, and the fight scenes are entertaining. However, the film is severely hampered by its weak screenplay and unconvincing CGI, which hold it back from being a truly memorable fantasy epic. It’s a serviceable, “turn off your brain” action movie that is best enjoyed without high expectations for a compelling plot. If you’re a fan of the cast or director and are in the mood for some light, popcorn entertainment, it might be worth a watch on a streaming platform, but it’s not a theatrical must-see.

Movie Rating

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