Is 'In the Lost Lands' (2025) Worth Watching? A Comprehensive Review

Is In the Lost Lands (2025) Worth Watching? A Detailed Review

In the Lost Lands (2025) is the latest fantasy adventure from director Paul W.S. Anderson, known for his work on the Resident Evil franchise. Starring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista, the film is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s short story, blending dark fantasy with post-apocalyptic themes. But does it live up to the hype, or is it another forgettable adaptation? Let's dive into its reception and whether it's worth your time.

Critical Reception

So far, In the Lost Lands has received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Metacritic: The film has a Metascore of 41/100, based on 13 reviews, indicating an average response.

Rotten Tomatoes: Critics have been particularly harsh, giving it only 24% approval, while the audience score is slightly better at 45%.

These scores suggest that while some viewers might find enjoyment in its action and fantasy elements, others may struggle with its execution.

What Works in the Film?

Despite the criticism, there are aspects of In the Lost Lands that have been praised:

Visuals & World-Building – Many reviewers appreciated the film’s unique fantasy landscapes and immersive settings. Vulture described it as having a "storybook quality" that blends medieval fantasy with a post-apocalyptic world.

Action Sequences – With Anderson at the helm, it’s no surprise that the film delivers intense action, featuring well-choreographed fight scenes between Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista.

Dark Fantasy Elements – Fans of George R.R. Martin’s work might enjoy the film’s grim themes, magical elements, and moral dilemmas.

Where Does It Fall Short?

Unfortunately, In the Lost Lands has faced a fair share of criticism:

Weak Character Development – The Guardian criticized the film for its "flabby characterization," suggesting that the characters feel underdeveloped and lack emotional depth.

Convoluted Plot – Some reviews mention that the film struggles to keep a clear and engaging narrative, making it difficult for audiences to stay invested.

Overuse of CGI – While the film’s visuals are ambitious, some critics argue that it relies too heavily on CGI, leading to an artificial look that detracts from the immersive experience.

Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?

Whether In the Lost Lands is worth watching depends on what you’re looking for in a movie.

Watch it if you enjoy visually rich fantasy films with action-packed sequences and don’t mind a somewhat messy storyline.

Skip it if you prefer strong character development, deep storytelling, and more grounded special effects.

Ultimately, In the Lost Lands may not be a groundbreaking fantasy epic, but for fans of Anderson’s style and George R.R. Martin’s stories, it might still be a fun adventure.

Would you give it a chance, or does the criticism steer you away? Let us know your thoughts!