Is Apex based on a true story? Charlize Theron Netflix thriller explained

Apex is Netflix's latest number one most-watched film led by two Hollywood legends.

By Hayley Anderson, TV Reporter for Screen Time

Apex is available to watch on Netflix. (Image: NETFLIX)

Apex fans are keen to discover what influenced Netflix's latest chart-topping film.

Advertisement

Starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, Apex follows bereaved rock climber Sasha who lost the love of her life and now seeks to push her boundaries in the Australian outback.

However, what she hadn't anticipated was encountering merciless apex predator Ben who compels her into a lethal game of cat and mouse as the serial killer attempts to hunt her down.

Get reviews, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition
Invalid email Invalid email

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

Is Apex based on a true story?

While fans have been intrigued to learn if there is any reality behind the film, it has been confirmed that Apex on Netflix is not based on a true story.

Nevertheless, creator Jeremy Robbins, who began penning the hit movie during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, drew inspiration from two of his favourite childhood films.

Apex stars Taron Egerton as serial killer Ben. (Image: NETFLIX)

Robbins considers Apex to be his tribute to the 1972 thriller Deliverance and Meryl Streep's 1994 classic River Wild.

Advertisement

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Robbins said: "Deliverance and The River Wild were such touchstones in my childhood and high school life that I was absolutely writing towards them.

"So I very proudly embrace those comparisons to two movies I've loved immensely for most of my life."

And despite Apex not being inspired by a true story, Egerton's murderous character could be compared to some real-life serial killers.

Apex on Netflix stars Charlize Theron as Sasha. (Image: NETFLIX)

Australian serial killer Ivan Milat, also known as The Backpack Killer, abducted backpackers in the New South Wales forest areas in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Milat served as the real-life inspiration for the 2005 horror film Wolf Creek.

Advertisement

Another notorious Australian serial killer is Robert "Butcher Baker" Hansen, who similarly became infamous for hunting down his victims.

He reportedly transported many of his victims by plane to isolated locations deep within the Alaskan wilderness, releasing them before pursuing them with weapons.

Apex is available to watch on Netflix.

PREMIUM ARTICLES

NEWS

POLITICS

ROYAL

SHOWBIZ & TV

SPORT

FINANCE

TRAVEL

LIFE & STYLE

F1

TENNIS