A survival thriller led by Charlize Theron has taken a firm hold of Netflix’s global English-language film chart this week, drawing 38.2 million views and topping rankings in 82 countries. The film, “Apex,” has quickly become one of the platform’s most widely watched titles, driven by a combination of star power and a tightly framed premise.

Theron plays Sasha, a rock climber dealing with personal loss who travels to Australia’s Blue Mountains in search of solitude. The setting, however, turns hostile when she encounters a killer, portrayed by Taron Egerton. What follows is a sustained pursuit through rugged terrain, with the film leaning heavily on physical endurance and tension rather than dialogue-heavy storytelling.

The production drew attention even before release, in part due to Theron’s preparation for the role. She underwent climbing training and later demonstrated those skills during promotional appearances, including a widely noted climb on a Times Square billboard. While such moments can border on spectacle, they helped reinforce the film’s physical authenticity.

On the television side of Netflix’s English-language rankings, “Unchosen” opened strongly, debuting at number one with 10.4 million views. The series centres on Rosie, played by Molly Windsor, who grows up in a strict religious community. The arrival of an outsider gradually unsettles that world, with the show building its tension through small disruptions rather than overt drama.

“Running Point” continued to perform steadily, placing second with 5.3 million views. Kate Hudson returns for its second season, with storylines that blend workplace challenges and family dynamics. The series has maintained its audience by balancing comedy with more grounded personal conflicts.

Another notable shift came from “BEEF,” whose second season climbed from seventh to third place. The anthology format introduces a new storyline focused on a workplace rivalry across generations, with its darker tone appearing to resonate with viewers and drive online discussion.

Elsewhere on the film chart, “180” held the second position with 17.5 million views, while “Roommates” remained third. Both titles continued to attract steady audiences, offering a contrast in tone to the intensity of “Apex.”