The critical consensus solidified around a 40% Rotten Tomatoes score in the days immediately following the August 28 wide release, as reviews from nearly 170 critics highlighted a derivative post-apocalyptic narrative, sluggish pacing, and lack of fresh ideas despite Ridley Scott’s direction and a strong cast led by Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley. The film’s lush visuals and occasional character moments drew some praise, but the overall “rotten” verdict aligned with its soft $8 million domestic opening weekend and C+ CinemaScore. With the theatrical run underway and no major guild or awards precursors imminent, the score has limited room to shift meaningfully from additional reviews, reflecting trader focus on the entrenched mixed-to-negative industry reception.