Paul W.S. Anderson’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s In the Lost Lands stays largely true to its source material but introduces several changes that impact the film’s ending. The original short story, published in 1982, embraces classic fantasy tropes, which Anderson modernizes in his film.
Milla Jovovich stars as Gray Alys, a rebellious witch navigating a dystopian world, while Dave Bautista plays Boyce, a skilled hunter. The film follows Gray Alys as she accepts a dangerous mission from the Queen, setting off a chain of events filled with deception, power struggles, and unintended consequences.
The film begins with Gray Alys being pursued by the religious zealots of the Church, who view her as a dangerous heretic. Despite constant threats, she remains elusive, earning a reputation as “the witch who will not be hanged.” She is soon approached by the Queen of the Overlord, who desires the power to shapeshift into a beast.
Bound by her nature never to refuse a wish, Alys embarks on a perilous journey into the demon-infested Lost Lands. She enlists Boyce, a skilled hunter with ties to the Queen, to help her navigate the treacherous terrain, all while evading the relentless Church enforcers.
Milla Jovovich as Gray Alys (Photo: In the Lost Lands/Constantin Film)A Dark Fate Unfolds as the Cost of Desire Shapes In the Lost Lands
As Alys and Boyce reach Skull River, the location of a legendary werewolf, the shocking truth is revealed—Boyce himself is the creature they seek. Alys, having anticipated this all along, had secretly embedded silver into his wounds, rendering him vulnerable. She ultimately defeats him, stripping away his werewolf skin to bring back to the Queen.
However, her wish-granting abilities come with a cruel twist: the Queen only wanted the power to transform so she could be with Boyce, but her wish could only be fulfilled by his demise. This tragic irony underscores the dark nature of Alys’ magic, where desires come true but often with unforeseen consequences.
The Church, led by The Patriarch and his enforcer Ash, considers Alys a direct threat not just for her magic but for her influence in inciting rebellion. Her return to the City sparks an uprising against both the Church and the Queen. Meanwhile, Boyce, having survived the ordeal, confronts Alys once more, confirming her deep understanding of fate and manipulation.
Through foresight and illusion, Alys orchestrated the downfall of the ruling powers, fulfilling all the wishes asked of her while ensuring her own goals were met. The film presents a cautionary tale about ambition, power, and the unintended costs of desire.
Despite George R.R. Martin praising the adaptation for capturing his voice, In the Lost Lands has been met with harsh criticism. Reviewers have panned its CGI, color grading, underdeveloped characters, and lack of depth. While the film explores themes of religious hypocrisy and the dangers of unchecked ambition, its fast-paced storytelling limits deeper exploration.
With both Alys and Boyce surviving, a sequel remains theoretically possible, though poor reviews and box office performance make it unlikely. Ultimately, the film serves as a grim reflection on the consequences of desire, reinforcing the age-old warning be careful what you wish for.
