Connor Storrie’s ‘April X’ receives mixed reviews as ‘Heated Rivalry’ star leads sci-fi thriller
April X follows Baxter, played by Storrie, as he searches for his missing twin sister April, portrayed by Lilly Krug
Connor Storrie’s latest film April X has received mixed reviews from critics, with the Heated Rivalry star leading the futuristic sci-fi thriller in his first major film role since the hit series made him a breakout star.
Directed by Michel K. Parandi, April X follows Baxter, played by Storrie, as he searches for his missing twin sister April, portrayed by Lilly Krug, in a bleak futuristic city. The film was shot before Heated Rivalry premiered and Storrie rose to international attention for his role as Ilya Rozanov in the series.
In April X, Baxter and April are twins living on the fringes of a criminal underworld. While Baxter becomes involved in petty crime, April earns money by making wigs and selling recordings of her vivid dreams. Their lives change when Baxter falls into debt with a local crime boss and April suddenly disappears.
The story then moves five years into the future, where Baxter discovers that versions of April appear to have been cloned and used as sex workers. His search for his sister takes him deeper into a disturbing world involving cloning, human trafficking and exploitation.
Variety’s review describes Storrie’s performance as capable but argues that the actor has limited material to work with. The review also notes that the film draws from familiar science-fiction influences, including Blade Runner, while attempting to establish its own dystopian world.
Storrie nevertheless takes on much of the film’s emotional weight, with Baxter’s search for his sister driving the story. The actor also provides hard-boiled voiceover narration throughout the thriller as the character attempts to make sense of April’s disappearance.
The film has attracted a range of reactions from critics. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists several reviews praising Storrie’s performance, including one from the New York Times that describes him as the film’s “saviour”, while other critics have criticised the film’s writing, world-building and execution.
April X was released in selected US cinemas on October 2, 2026, following its UK and Irish theatrical release. The film also stars Tudor Chirila, Serban Pavlu and other members of its international cast.
For Storrie, the film arrives at a significant point in his career following the success of Heated Rivalry. While April X was made before his television breakthrough, its release gives audiences an early look at the actor in a leading film role as he moves into the next stage of his career.
