Video game movies are a tricky proposition both because adapting existing material necessitates satisfying pre-existing fans and because jumping mediums can leave key elements lost in translation. But over the last decade, the folks behind the games have started to help shepherd their properties to the silver screen in a way that respects the material but also crafts something new. It was during that decade that theUnchartedmovie eventually took shape, and has now arrived as aTom Holland vehiclethat does its best to honor Naughty Dog’s video game while still delivering an entertaining, popcorn action movie.
For the die-hardUnchartedfans out there, this movie takes quite a few liberties with its characters. It’s best to know going in that this is a Nathan Drake (Holland) origin story. The film, directed by Ruben Fleischer, is meant to establish the first “job” undertaken by Drake and Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) and as a result, a lot of the elements featured in the game’s Drake/Sully relationship are only slightly coming to the surface.
Unchartedalso brings Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali) into the mix, but her role is somewhat one-note. While Drake is constantly questioning Sully as a partner, Chloe reinforces the themes of betrayal among thieves. Despite how inviting she might be and Ali’s performance is solid, it feels as if she only exists to act as a counterpoint to Sully. In essence, to show the audience how Sully could act towards Drake.
Outside some gripes about the characterizations of Drake and Sully,Unchartedcarries the spirit of the games well. It has a great sense of adventure in the way it develops the hunt for Magellan’s treasure. The action sequences are exciting and unique while also skirting the laws of gravity. And the constant mixing of one-liners helps the entire film feel light in tone.
There are also a lot of details that are pulled from the games, whether they be story beats, action sequences, or Easter Egg style jokes. Obviously, the bigplane cargo action scene fromUncharted 3is a major part of theUnchartedmovie, and it surprisingly never feels overly ridiculous. Suspension of disbelief seems to be greater among gamers butUnchartedfinds a way to craft fun action sequences that exist within its own reality.
As well, the puzzle-solving, general mystery, and plot twists of theUnchartedgames are well represented. It’s not something that audiences will be able to necessarily predict along the way, but there is that appropriateIndiana Jonesflair to the film that combines historical fact with a fantastical globe-charting adventure.
Holland is great as Drake andWahlberg brings his own personality to Sully, but it works. The two are a fun duo to watch on-screen, and Ali mixes things up enough as Chloe to make the 2-hour film fly by. And those game fans who want incentives to come back to this franchise will find that the script peppers just enough intrigue to setup future films.
Unchartedis unlikely to satisfy those who were hoping for alive-action version of the Naughty Dog video game. But the spirit of the series has been brought to the big screen with enough enthusiasm to make for an entertaining time at the movies. It doesn’t establish the blueprint for a successful video game movie but ratherUnchartedshows that theIndiana Jonesformula still works when modernized.
Holland’s charisma can carry any light, popcorn flick and the move never steps outside its bounds to try to do anything else than entertain. Much like the video game series, Uncharted the movie starts out with a base-line level of pure fun, but there is a lot of room to grow from here.
Unchartedreleases in North American theaters on June 22, 2025.
Uncharted
Uncharted is a prequel to the video games it takes its inspiration from, providing backstory into Nathan Drake and how he crossed paths with Victor “Sully” Sullivan, who becomes a friend and mentor.
