“In the Lost Lands” (2025) – A Comprehensive Introduction

“In the Lost Lands” is a dark fantasy film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, based on the short story of the same name by George R.R. Martin. The movie stars Milla Jovovich as the sorceress Gray Alys and Dave Bautista as the hunter Boyce. The story follows their journey into the desolate Lost Lands to retrieve a mystical artifact at the request of a queen. The film was released in Australia on February 27, 2025, and in the United States on March 7, 2025, by Vertical Entertainment.

The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth has become a lawless wasteland known as the “Lost Lands.” Society is ruled by the Overlord, and order is maintained by the Church. Gray Alys, a powerful sorceress, is sentenced to death by The Enforcer and the Church’s followers. However, she uses magic to escape and embarks on a perilous journey with Boyce to obtain the power of shapeshifting for the queen. Along the way, they encounter mystical creatures, ruthless enemies, and the unpredictable consequences of manipulating primal forces.

Production for the film began in November 2022 at Alvernia Studios in Poland and concluded in February 2023 after 46 days of filming. The movie was produced by companies such as Constantin Film, Spark Productions, and FilmNation Entertainment, with an estimated budget of $55 million.

In terms of box office performance, In the Lost Lands grossed $1.9 million in the United States and Canada, along with $2.7 million from international markets, for a total worldwide revenue of $4.6 million. In its opening weekend, the film earned $1.1 million from 1,370 theaters.

Critical reception for the film has been mixed. The Houston Chronicle criticized the movie for its lack of coherence and excessive use of green screen effects, which resulted in an unsatisfying viewing experience. Meanwhile, The Guardian argued that the film lacked compelling character development and featured average visual effects, making the story feel uninspired. However, other sources, such as Entertainment Weekly, praised the film, describing it as “dark, twisted, and atmospheric.”

For viewers looking for a dark fantasy film featuring well-known stars, In the Lost Lands may offer an engaging experience. However, those seeking a deeply developed story with strong character arcs may find it somewhat lacking.