Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy Headline 'Sacrifice,' a Volcanic Satire on Netflix
Director Romain Gavras's latest film combines biting satire with a dark premise, but struggles to fully cohere.
Netflix has released "Sacrifice," a new dark satire helmed by Romain Gavras, known for his work on "Athena." The film stars Chris Evans as a struggling movie star and Anya Taylor-Joy as the leader of a cult intent on sacrificing celebrities into a volcano to avert the apocalypse. The premise draws comparisons to "Joe vs. the Volcano," "Triangle of Sadness," and "The Menu."
Vincent Cassel portrays Bracken, a billionaire hosting a lavish charity gala ostensibly to discuss saving the planet through ocean mining. The event is disrupted by Joan (Taylor-Joy) and her followers, who demand that three celebrities offer themselves as sacrifices to a nearby erupting volcano. Mike Tyler (Evans), seeking a career comeback, finds himself entangled in the unfolding events. The film also features Salma Hayek as Bracken's wife and a cameo by Charli XCX.
Reviewers have noted the film's striking visuals and the cast's commitment to their roles. Evans is particularly praised for his comedic timing as a meta-commentary on his own blockbuster past. However, the film's thematic ambitions, which reportedly explore dichotomies of truth and artifice, and nature versus human progress, are described as shallow and chaotic, ultimately failing to cohere into a satisfying narrative.
Gavras, alongside co-screenwriter Will Arbery, aims for broad targets, offering biting commentary that is amusing but perhaps too easy. The cinematography is noted as being of a higher caliber than typically expected for Netflix content, as the distributor acquired the rights after its screening at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Despite these strengths, the film falters in its second act, introducing John Malkovich and attempting to develop an emotional connection between Mike and Joan, which critics suggest further muddles the already chaotic plot.
Ultimately, "Sacrifice" is described as a visually appealing diversion with enough comedic moments and strong performances to warrant a viewing, though audiences are advised to approach with caution. The film is available for streaming on Netflix.