Sacrifice Review: Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy Crash a Billionaire’s Gala

A glamorous charity gala. A mysterious relic. A cult that wants to throw people into a volcano. It sounds like a strange dream, but this is the real premise of Sacrifice.

Directed by French filmmaker Romain Gavras, Sacrifice is his first English-language film. It stars Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy, and it arrives on Netflix on October 16, 2026. Here’s our review.

Sacrifice Story: An Eco-Gala Turns Into a Hostage Crisis

The film follows Mike Tyler (Chris Evans), a fading movie star with a bruised ego. His career has stalled after a public meltdown involving a flamethrower, which went viral. He travels to Greece to attend a lavish fundraiser for an environmental cause.

The host is Ben Bracken (Vincent Cassel), a tech billionaire, and his wife Gloria (Salma Hayek). The party is packed with celebrities, rich guests, and empty speeches. It even includes a wild musical performance by Charli XCX.

Then the evening explodes. A group of armed activists storms the venue. Their leader, Joan (Anya Taylor-Joy), is a fierce eco-warrior with a bold belief: a coming volcanic eruption will destroy the world, and the only way to stop it is through human sacrifice. She needs three people: a King, a True Love, and a Hero.

The activists are also hunting a legendary relic that could unlock supernatural powers. Mike is dragged into the chaos, and the night turns into both a survival story and a personal journey. The lines between performance and belief, and between salvation and sacrifice, start to blur.

Chris Evans Pokes Fun at Himself

One of the film’s best ideas is how it uses Evans. For years, he played the ultimate hero, Captain America. Here, he plays a movie star who struggles with that very image.

Evans looks like he’s having fun making fun of his own persona. Mike is vain, panicky, and desperate to be seen as a hero. That’s a clever twist, and it gives Evans some of his funniest scenes in years.

The film asks whether a man who plays a hero can become one. It’s a simple question, but it gives the satire a human center.

Anya Taylor-Joy Steals Attention

Taylor-Joy brings intensity and charisma to Joan. She plays the character with complete conviction, whispering about burning the old world so a new one can be born. Even when the dialogue gets odd, she sells it.

Her chemistry with Evans is a highlight. Joan is serious, Mike is a mess, and their clash fuels much of the film’s energy. There’s also a late revelation about Joan that adds a surprising layer, though we won’t spoil it.

The supporting cast includes John Malkovich, Sam Richardson, Ambika Mod, and rapper Yung Lean.

A Spectacle You Can’t Look Away From

Gavras is known for striking, chaotic visuals. His earlier film Athena was full of long takes and wild energy. Sacrifice brings that same ambition to a bigger canvas.

The marble mine setting is gorgeous, and the film uses it for sweeping, dramatic imagery. The mix of a high-society party, a volcano, and a cult makes for some unforgettable scenes. The score and photography help give the film a big, mythic feel.

The script, co-written by Gavras and Succession writer Will Arbery, mixes satire, action, and fantasy. It draws on myths Gavras loved as a child, while poking fun at the ultra-rich.

Where Sacrifice Loses Its Edge

The film has a lot of ideas, but it doesn’t always follow through. The satire of wealthy people who talk about saving the planet is sharp at times. But the targets can feel broad, and the story sometimes pulls its punches.

Joan’s group also doesn’t aim its anger at the real issues behind environmental damage. Instead, the plot focuses on twists and the question of who will actually jump into the volcano. As the film goes on, the story can feel muddled, and its strongest ideas get less attention.

The tone can be uneven too. It switches between dark comedy, action, and mythic drama. That mix gives it an unpredictable charm, but it may leave some viewers confused.

Who Should Watch Sacrifice

This is a good pick for fans of eat-the-rich satire, like The Menu or Triangle of Sadness. It’s also great if you enjoy bold, strange, visually rich films, or if you want to see Evans and Taylor-Joy in unusual roles.

If you want a tight, serious thriller or a clear message, the film may feel too messy. It’s rated R, so expect strong language and violence.

The Verdict

Sacrifice is wild, stylish, and often funny, with two charismatic leads and a fascinating premise. It doesn’t always land its big ideas, but it’s rarely boring. For a night of weird, sharp-edged entertainment, it’s worth a watch.

Rating: 3/5

Watch the Trailer

Quick Facts

• Title: Sacrifice
• Director: Romain Gavras
• Writers: Romain Gavras, Will Arbery
• Genre: Satirical Action Thriller, Dark Comedy
• Rated: R
• Starring: Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, Salma Hayek, John Malkovich, Sam Richardson, Ambika Mod, Yung Lean
• Music cameo: Charli XCX
• Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2025
• Platform: Netflix
• Release date: October 16, 2026

Where to Watch

Sacrifice starts streaming on Netflix on October 16, 2026.

Are you excited for “Sacrifice”? Share your thoughts in the comments below.