Uncharted (2022)
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Screenwriter: Rafe Lee Judkins, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway
Starring: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Banderas, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle
The Uncharted video game series, launched in 2007, quickly became synonymous with fast-paced action, globe-trotting thrills, and cinematic treasure-hunt adventure. Drawing clear inspiration from adventure films like The Mummy, National Treasure, and Indiana Jones, the franchise’s combination of daring set pieces and a charismatic lead made it an obvious candidate for a major motion picture. For years the adaptation languished in development, cycling through directors, writers, and actors before finally reaching cinemas in 2022.
Under Ruben Fleischer’s direction, the film takes a fresh approach, presenting an original origin story that borrows elements from the games’ characters and mythology. Tom Holland stars as a younger Nathan Drake, a quick-witted bartender and small-time thief whose knack for trouble and treasure hunting propels him into a high-stakes adventure. Mark Wahlberg plays Victor “Sully” Sullivan, a grizzled treasure hunter with ties to Drake’s past, who recruits Nate into a dangerous quest. The antagonistic force is led by Antonio Banderas as Santiago Moncada, while Sophia Ali appears as Chloe Frazer, a familiar figure from the games, and Tati Gabrielle portrays Braddock, a character with a complicated history involving Sully.
The film’s plot centers on a hunt for a long-lost treasure tied to Portuguese explorers, sending the protagonists across locations that include Barcelona and the Philippines. Though the story captures the globe-trotting spirit of the games, it often stops short of recreating the breathtaking scale and variety of environments that made the source material so striking. Key sequences that could have showcased dense jungles, sweeping deserts, and larger set pieces feel relatively restrained, leaving the movie less grand in scope than many fans might expect.
Pacing is one of the film’s strengths. It opens with kinetic energy, moving briskly through action and setup without lingering on extended exposition. That speed gives the movie a lively momentum, but it also contributes to a sense of underdevelopment in the central characters. The film frequently prioritizes plot motion over emotional depth, which leaves Drake, Sully, and their allies feeling thinner than their game incarnations. As a result, some of the action lacks the emotional urgency that would have elevated it from exciting to memorable.
When the film lands its set pieces, it does so effectively at times. A standout is a brutal, well-choreographed fight in a Barcelona bar that channels the raw, physical energy fans expect from the franchise. Yet such moments are intermittent; much of the action fails to reach the signature, awe-inspiring highs of the original games. The villains, too, suffer from limited development. Their motives are sketched rather than explored, and they rarely present a truly menacing or complex threat to the heroes.
Casting was a contentious topic before release, and reactions remain mixed. Tom Holland brings charm and agility to the role of Nate, proving he can carry a large-scale action film, but he sometimes feels removed from the more rugged, seasoned portrayal familiar to gamers. Mark Wahlberg adds levity and rough-edged mentorship as Sully, though he is often used as comic relief, which limits the character’s dramatic impact. Sophia Ali’s Chloe brings energy to the ensemble, but uneven accent choices and constrained material hinder her effectiveness. Antonio Banderas offers a capable turn as the antagonist, though the script gives him little room to fully develop into a layered villain.
Despite its flaws, Uncharted is an entertaining two-hour escapade that accomplishes enough to be enjoyable for general audiences and newcomers to the franchise. It’s not without merit: the chemistry between Holland and Wahlberg provides easygoing charm, and several action beats supply genuine excitement. For longtime fans, however, the film is likely to feel like a missed opportunity. It does not consistently capture the sweep and spectacle of the games, nor does it fully honor the depth and nuance of their characters.
In the context of modern studio adaptations, Uncharted lands as a competent, crowd-pleasing adventure with a few standout sequences and charismatic leads. It won’t replace the source material’s highs, but it fills a familiar niche for viewers who enjoy fantasy-action-adventure films that blend treasure hunting with lighthearted humor and globe-spanning set pieces. For those seeking a faithful recreation of the games’ expansive emotional and visual scope, the movie may disappoint. For casual viewers and newcomers, it provides an accessible, fast-moving cinematic ride.
15/24