In the Lost Lands (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Paul W.S. Anderson’s In the Lost Lands (2025) brings George R.R. Martin’s short story to the big screen, starring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in a dark fantasy adventure. Set in a desolate, CGI-heavy world, the film follows Gray Alys, a powerful sorceress, as she embarks on a dangerous quest into the Lost Lands to obtain a mystical ability. But does this adaptation do justice to its intriguing source material, or does it get lost in its own visual spectacle? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the film and explore where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around a desperate queen who seeks the power of transformation into a werewolf. To achieve this, she hires Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich), a legendary sorceress feared across the land. With her guide, the rugged warrior Boyce (Dave Bautista), Alys journeys into the dangerous and ghostly Lost Lands, where they must outwit monstrous creatures, religious fanatics, and merciless bounty hunters determined to stop them.
On paper, the premise is fascinating. It combines elements of dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic adventure, and classic quest narratives. However, while George R.R. Martin’s original short story lays the foundation for an intriguing tale, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Review: A Visually Overwhelming but Emotionally Hollow Fantasy
1. Visuals and Cinematography
Anderson’s signature style—heavily reliant on CGI, green screens, and exaggerated action sequences—is evident throughout In the Lost Lands. The film attempts to create a dystopian world filled with vast wastelands, eerie landscapes, and dark gothic aesthetics. However, instead of feeling immersive, the excessive digital effects make the film appear artificial and lifeless. Some scenes feel like they belong in a video game cutscene rather than a major motion picture.
While some shots impress with their grandeur, the overall color grading is oddly drab, dominated by dull browns and yellows, which strip the film of any visual vibrancy. If Sin City and 300 set the bar for stylized green-screen-heavy filmmaking, In the Lost Lands falls several notches below, offering a less polished, uninspired visual experience.
2. Acting Performances
Milla Jovovich once again steps into the action heroine role she’s best known for, but her performance as Gray Alys lacks depth. She delivers her lines with the same cold, detached demeanor we’ve seen in her Resident Evil films, but here, it feels more wooden than mysterious.
Dave Bautista, usually a strong presence on screen, struggles with a lackluster script that offers him little to work with. His character, Boyce, is meant to be a brooding warrior with hidden depth, but instead, he comes across as underdeveloped and, at times, unintentionally comical. Fans of Bautista’s work in Dune or Guardians of the Galaxy might be disappointed to see him in what could be his weakest performance to date.
The supporting cast doesn’t fare much better. Arly Jover’s villainous Ash is forgettable, and the film fails to build tension between its protagonists and antagonists. Dialogue is another major weak point—clunky, overly expository, and lacking the wit or nuance that could elevate the film.
3. Action and Pacing
In the Lost Lands is packed with action sequences, but they often feel uninspired. Sword fights, magic battles, and chase scenes play out in a repetitive manner, with no real stakes or emotional engagement. The choreography lacks creativity, and the reliance on CGI makes combat feel weightless.
Additionally, the pacing is erratic. The film rushes through its plot points so quickly that there’s little time for world-building or character development. Important events unfold without proper context, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the story. This is especially frustrating given that the source material has a strong narrative foundation.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The Game of Thrones-inspired musical score is one of the film’s few highlights, adding an epic feel to some scenes.
- The core premise remains intriguing, even if the execution is flawed.
- Some moments of dark fantasy world-building have potential.
Weaknesses:
- Poorly written dialogue and weak character development.
- Over-reliance on CGI that makes the film feel artificial.
- Inconsistent pacing that prevents proper story immersion.
- Lackluster performances, especially from usually strong actors like Bautista.
Where to Watch In the Lost Lands Online
As of now, In the Lost Lands is not yet available for streaming or digital purchase. However, based on trends in film distribution, it is expected to be released on major streaming platforms and digital rental services in the near future.
Predicted Streaming Availability in the U.S.:
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Likely Streaming Services (Subscription-Based):
- Amazon Prime Video (potential early access or exclusive release)
- Netflix (depending on licensing agreements)
- Hulu (if acquired by a partner studio)
- HBO Max (if Warner Bros. secures distribution rights)
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Rental & Purchase Options (Expected):
- Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy option)
- Apple TV/iTunes
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Vudu
For the latest availability, you can check JustWatch for real-time updates on where to stream or purchase In the Lost Lands.
Additionally, you can visit the official website for news about the movie’s home release and possible theatrical extensions.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch In the Lost Lands?
If you’re a die-hard fan of Milla Jovovich’s action-heavy roles or Paul W.S. Anderson’s directorial style, you might find some entertainment value in In the Lost Lands. However, for most viewers, this film will likely feel like a missed opportunity—a promising fantasy premise weighed down by weak execution, lackluster visuals, and uninspired storytelling.
While it’s not the worst film in the genre, it certainly doesn’t live up to the high expectations set by George R.R. Martin’s name. If you’re in the mood for a well-crafted fantasy film, you might be better off revisiting Game of Thrones, The Witcher, or Dune.
Are you curious to see In the Lost Lands despite its mixed reviews? Keep an eye on JustWatch to find out when and where you can stream it. And if you’ve already watched it, share your thoughts—did it live up to your expectations, or was it a letdown? Let us know in the comments!
