Dave Bautista Hunts Treasure in a Scorched World: Afterburn Review

This Afterburn review starts with a simple question: can a post-apocalyptic treasure hunt be fun without being deep? J.J. Perry's action comedy aims for loud, quick entertainment, with Dave Bautista at the center. It mostly hits that target, even if it rarely aims higher.

Afterburn Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Afterburn plot begins after a huge solar flare destroys the Eastern Hemisphere. What life remains has been twisted by radiation and fallout, and the world looks like a junkyard of old civilization. Into this mess step a crew of treasure hunters who make a living recovering famous relics.

Their targets include the Mona Lisa, the Rosetta Stone and the Crown Jewels. Getting them means dodging rival hunters, mutants and pirates. The tagline, "The apocalypse isn't for everybody," sums up the tone: the end of the world is treated as a playground, not a tragedy.

The film follows Jake, played by Dave Bautista, as he heads toward Europe on a risky job. That is all you need to know going in. The setup is easy to follow and the film moves quickly once it gets rolling.

What Works in Afterburn

The premise is the best selling point. Turning the world's greatest artworks into loot in a ruined future is a clever, slightly absurd idea. It gives the action a clear goal and a good excuse for varied locations.

Director J.J. Perry comes from a stunt background, and it shows in how the film stages its set pieces. Expect big explosions, vehicle chaos and plenty of hand-to-hand scraps. The R rating lets the violence and language run rough.

• A high-concept hook that sells itself in one sentence.

• Action built for clarity, not shaky-cam confusion.

• A brisk 106-minute runtime that avoids padding.

Fans of the genre can find similar energy in our action movie reviews.

Afterburn Cast and Performances

The Afterburn cast is the film's strongest card. Dave Bautista plays Jake with his usual mix of size, dry humor and surprising warmth. He is easy to root for, and he sells both the punches and the punchlines.

Olga Kurylenko plays Drea and brings a sharp, capable presence. Kristofer Hivju appears as General Volkov, adding menace and a little bluster. Samuel L. Jackson turns up as Valentine, and his screen time is a welcome jolt of personality.

Daniel Bernhardt (Gorynych) and Simon Merrells (Tank Commander) fill out the supporting side. The ensemble is lively, though not everyone gets enough material to leave a mark.

Where Afterburn Stumbles

The jokes are hit and miss. Some land thanks to the cast's timing, while others feel like leftovers from a louder, cheaper comedy. The film sometimes seems unsure whether it wants to be a spoof or a straight adventure.

The world-building also stays shallow. A hemisphere destroyed by a solar flare is a huge idea, yet the film uses it mostly as wallpaper. Mutants and pirates show up, but they rarely feel like real threats or memorable characters.

The story is predictable too. If you have seen a few treasure-hunt movies, you will guess most of the beats. The film leans on its stars to cover for that familiarity.

Those who prefer their comedy sharper may want to browse our comedy movie reviews instead.

Is Afterburn Worth Watching?

Yes, Afterburn is worth watching if you want a noisy, easygoing action comedy and do not expect much more. Audience reaction has been moderate, with a TMDB score of 6.2 out of 10, and that feels fair.

The film delivers on its promise of spectacle and star charisma. It does not reinvent the post-apocalyptic adventure, and the humor is uneven. Treat it as a fun weekend watch, not a must-see.

The Afterburn release date was August 20, 2025, in the United States. For background on the production, see the Afterburn page on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Afterburn

• Dave Bautista fans who like his mix of muscle and comic timing.

• Viewers who enjoy loud, R-rated action with a light touch.

• Anyone after a quick, disposable apocalypse adventure, like those in our adventure movie reviews.