The Wasteland Reviewer

Worldbreaker (2026) Written Review

How many post-apocalyptic films do we get on an annual basis? Honestly, a lot. Natural disasters. Famine. Disease. Monsters. Aliens. All types of causes but so many of them follow the familiar beats and structures. The audience saw them all! Only a few filmmakers have been able to shake things up and deliver something special or different. With the start of a new year, audiences are certainly being treated to a few types of films like this just in January. Director Brad Anderson brings a new science fiction/action flick with Worldbreaker. 

What does Anderson bring to the table with this new film? The film is sparse in the usage of its giant monsters from a different dimension. The effects and practical make-up are solid with some eerie character design (when they curl up like spiders is quite creepy). There are hybrids as well and the make-up on them is quite unnerving. Unfortunately, the film struggles to maximize their usage (but more on that later). The pacing of the film is a chore as there are a few spurts of action and otherwise this is a methodical experience that does not quite engage enough to keep things interesting. Cinematographer Daniel Aranyo does capture the gorgeous landscapes of most of the film quite well (one of the standout elements of the film). Overall, the film leans into many post-apocalyptic motifs and does not necessarily have enough to truly stand out. 

Does Joshua Rollins’ screenplay deliver a compelling enough story? Most audiences will most likely be disappointed by the lack of actual action or creatures in the film. Worldbreaker is a film about survival, hope, and the power of storytelling. The first act of the film is frustrating with its horribly clunky expositional dialogue and set up. The central family is made up of a daughter, Willa, and her Mom and Dad. Mom is in the film very little (sorry to those looking forward to Milla Jovovich). Most of the film is about Will and Dad isolated on an island preparing for the creatures and the hopefully return of their matriarch. Unfortunately, the film lacks narrative thrust and spins wheels in the same place for almost the entire film. There are few narrative beats that arrive and grab the audience’s attention. The thematic elements are solid, but they lack depth and have a bluntness that makes them less intriguing. The main mystery of the film is a tall tale that gives humanity hope, but that element never delivers in a satisfying way. 

Can the cast help elevate this consistent narrative experience? Speaking Jovovich, her lack of screentime or depth leaves her a non-issue in the film. Luke Evans is one of the biggest selling points of the film, his acting talents add depth to the experience. He also boasts quite the impressive beard once they are in isolation on the island. Billie Boullet is a solid anchor to the film as Willa who is challenged with plenty of emotion. Evans and Boullet have some strong chemistry as they make the most of this story. If it were not for their work, the film would have meandered even more throughout the 2^nd and 3^rd acts. It is not a large role, but Mila Harris delivers a vulnerable and affecting performance along the way. 

Does Worldbreaker deliver a new and engaging post-apocalyptic thriller? The film is quite uneven with fleeting moments of action and mostly just repetitive survival tropes. The film dabbles with some interesting themes and ideas that never feel fully realized. The combo of Boullet and Evans certainly make the most of their time together, but this film never quite clicks. Another overly familiar post-apocalyptic science fiction/action flick, Worldbreaker won’t be lighting things on fire.