In “The Gorge,” a casual sci-fi romance featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller unfolds. Here, elite snipers are duty-bound to safeguard a deep chasm located in an isolated part of the Northern Hemisphere. The secretive nature of this area has everyone on edge, as no one is certain about its contents. Each new guardian is cautioned about the potential hazards. If something were to emerge from the gorge, even the collective military strength of the most advanced nations wouldn’t be enough to contain it. Consequently, these powerful entities have put in place precautionary measures.
I see you’re more like a seasoned handyman in the field,” J.D., the cheerful ex-army comrade, tells Levi, the former battlefield marksman now tasked with guarding the gorge by an enigmatic figure (Sigourney Weaver). The taciturn sniper, haunted by his most lethal memories, is puzzled about the mission’s purpose. He’s got a multitude of queries regarding the location, duties, and the peculiar rule that forbids communication between the Western overseers and their counterparts on the gorge’s eastern side. Yet, J.D., after spending a year in isolation, seems more eager to reconnect with civilization than provide answers.
Under the guidance of director Scott Derrickson (known for films like Sinister and Doctor Strange), The Gorge is a story penned by Zach Dean. It centers around Levi, who settles in this secluded area and breaks the rules by reaching out to his colleague on the other side of the valley. Meanwhile, Drasa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, has been told similar orders but appears less interested in the mission. Instead, she’s intrigued by Levi, noticing his calm demeanor, his impressive shooting skills, and the poetry he composes to find peace. Their casual camaraderie, sparked on Drasa’s birthday, quickly evolves into a heartwarming romance.
A captivating aspect of the storyline in “The Gorge” involves the unique way that characters Levi and Drasa communicate for much of their relationship – exchanging messages via notes, aided by their long-distance binoculars. Collaborating with Cinematographer Dan Laustsen (known for his work on “The Shape of Water“, “Nightmare Alley“), Director Derrickson infuses these scenes with the lighthearted charm typical of romantic comedies. The evolution of their love story unfolds through a series of montages, depicting them writing messages on large notepads and whiteboards, celebrating with stolen drinks, playing chess, and mastering long-range shooting techniques. The company provides mutual support, particularly to Levi, who grapples with recurring nightmares stemming from his earlier killings.
It’s quite captivating to witness two actors build chemistry using subtle facial expressions and body language. Both Taylor-Joy and Teller deliver convincing performances, particularly in the comedic aspects of portraying characters who can only communicate non-verbally.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed an intriguing twist in “The Gorge”. After Drasa has a tough day, Levi tries his best to console her genuinely. He manages to bridge the gap, ending their long-distance relationship. Their initial physical interaction is a bit awkward, but it doesn’t blossom into something more organic. Instead, the game and its main couple seem stiff and reserved in their interactions.
In the movie, the stiffness and absence of excitement become evident when Levi slips into the chasm unintentionally. A frightened Drasa pursues him, and what they discover in the vast depths below is unsettling. The subterranean landscape proves to be a trap filled with grotesque mutated insects, harmful gases, and skeletal monstrosities reminiscent of White Walkers from Game of Thrones. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ music intensifies the eeriness of this unsettling ambiance. Director Derrickson provides some striking shots and genuine shock moments, but his efforts to create tension in these instances are too late to achieve their desired effect. With a large portion of the film focusing on developing Levi and Drasa’s past and relationship, The Gorge takes its time to pick up on the action.
Upon discovering their recruitment was entwined in a larger conspiracy, Levi and Drasa are met with explanations that can be confusing and disjointed. It’s unfortunate since the themes in The Gorge, such as portraying soldiers as puppets and exposing the vast influence of the military, could have been intriguingly explored in a suspenseful sci-fi setting. However, when the movie eventually delves into these themes, both our heroes and viewers are left with little tolerance for the plot developments.
Read More
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- 10 Most Anticipated Anime of 2025
- USD CNY PREDICTION
- Box Office: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Stomping to $127M U.S. Bow, North of $250M Million Globally
- Silver Rate Forecast
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Black Myth: Wukong minimum & recommended system requirements for PC
- Mech Vs Aliens codes – Currently active promos (June 2025)
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- “Golden” Moment: How ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Created the Year’s Catchiest Soundtrack
2025-02-13 20:27