Movie Review: The Gorge

After a short run at producing movies for theatrical distribution, Apple Studios last year abruptly decided to instead begin sending films straight to their streaming service Apple TV+. Given their lack of box office success thus far it’s not a surprising move, but it’s a shame that they still don’t give it a try for at least some of their slate. I can’t say if the sci-fi / horror / actioner The Gorge would have made tons of cash, but it’s certainly more interesting than any of the other “popcorn” fare currently taking up screens at the multiplex, so it would have been nice to see it try.

Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are both among the best snipers in the world, which is why they have each been selected to represent their “sides” to monitor a vast, top-secret chasm located in an undisclosed wilderness. American Levi takes up residence in the tower on the “West” side while Lithuanian Drasa is stationed in the duplicate tower on the “East” side. They are each given the same vague details and instructions for their respective one-year stints which basically boils down to three things: don’t communicate with one another, check and maintain the security infrastructure around the gorge, and keep whatever is in it from getting out.

Being left completely alone with no meaningful contact from the outside world, it’s not too surprising that they wind up breaking the no contact rule, the purpose of which is never really clear anyway. They make too much noise however, which causes the mysterious creatures living below them to emerge from the mist and try to escape. Undeterred by what many would take as an ill omen the duo continue to talk, though more quietly, and find themselves growing attached to each other. When a bold move by Levi causes him to fall into the hidden depths Drasa dives in after him and the pair must work together to find a way back out.

Teller and Taylor-Joy have a natural chemistry with each other, making it easy to believe that romantic sparks would flare up between them. Likewise, they are each adept at handling action sequences and fully sell that material here. Given that this is effectively a two-hander it’s important that the stars can carry our attention, and each proves more than up to the task.

The story’s initial setup is an intriguing one that lends itself to some effectively tense moments. Director Scott Derrickson is no stranger to horror or action, with hits like Sinister and Doctor Strange already under his belt, so it’s no surprise that he is able to balance the tones here. The creature designs aren’t always scary unfortunately, with some looking a little too much like an angry Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, but they still clearly represent enough of a threat to our leads and there are a few that are more eerily distressing.

Some plot choices are best not thought over too deeply and the core conceit, though at least inventive, can sometimes feel ludicrous, but effective chills and a pair of strong leads help to pull it altogether. Brief but fun scenes featuring Sigourney Weaver and a creepy, tech-heavy score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross add just a little extra something to round out the package. The Gorge may not be a masterwork of great depth, but it has more than enough entertaining high points to recommend it. ★★★½