The Gorge Review: A Repetitive Action Flick That Wastes Anya Taylor-Joy & Miles Teller

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As a fervent movie enthusiast, I must confess that in the gripping tale of “The Gorge,” I found myself more connected to the adversary across the chasm than my own command. This intriguing story pits two snipers against each other on opposite sides of an abyss, tasked with guarding it, shrouded in scant details about their mission. However, despite its promising concept, which made it onto the 2020 list of unproduced screenplays, the film’s execution falls short.

While there are moments of brilliance and a hint of camaraderie between the leads Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, these are overshadowed by repetitive action scenes, an underwhelming climax, and dialogue that seems to have been penned by yours truly, a humble AI.

Levi (portrayed by Teller) and Drasa (played by Taylor-Joy, sporting a Soviet bob) are independent marksmen with minimal ties to the global community. Levi, a former Marine, has withdrawn following an unsuccessful psychiatric evaluation that barred him from active service, whereas Drasa’s only connection is her ailing ex-KGB father who is dying of cancer. Unsurprisingly, they are both selected for a covert operation, which requires them to station themselves in towers on opposite sides of a colossal chasm in the earth for an entire year. The specifics about their tasks during this period are scarce, but Levi’s predecessor and information provider J.D. (Dirisu) informs him vaguely before departing that their role is not to prevent people from entering the chasm, but to halt whatever lies within the chasm from escaping. On some nights, they can hear the sorrowful cries of what dwells in the chasm, which has been referred to as “the hollow men,” reminiscent of a T.S. Eliot poem. The main rule given to them is that they are not to communicate with the person manning the other tower – a rule that both Levi and Drasa quickly break by using large hand-written signs, similar to the style used in the movie “Love Actually”.

Silence is golden

It’s fascinating that the parts of “The Gorge” where the two main characters can’t speak to each other are the most captivating. Their brief, straightforward messages create an endearing dynamic as they grow closer and find moments of connection, even though they’re miles apart and can only observe each other through strong binoculars. (It does push the boundaries a bit by having Drasa play chess with Levi, echoing Anya Taylor-Joy’s role in “The Queen’s Gambit,” while Levi builds a homemade drum set for a musical session reminiscent of “Whiplash.” And yes, it’s as absurd as it seems.)

Regrettably, the unexpectedly quirky appeal fades when they find themselves interacting directly, revealing one of the movie’s major flaws: its dreadful dialogue. Anya Taylor-Joy makes a valiant effort, yet her inconsistent Eastern European accent is noticeable. Miles Teller, on the other hand, seems detached, delivering nothing exceptional from the predictable, often clichéd lines.

Bring back practical effects

In my perspective as an enthusiast, the intrigue doesn’t escalate as we gradually unravel the enigma of the chasm in this science-fiction thriller. It’s a common pattern in such stories, but the climax frequently falls short of the grand expectations sparked by the initial concept. The subterranean lifeforms inhabiting the chasm promise immense potential, as they construct a Cronenbergian community of humans fused with flora, fauna, and insects. However, the film’s reliance on CGI diminishes its essence. If “The Chasm” had blended its imaginative creature design with traditional practical effects, it might have captivated viewers, even if just for the nostalgic appeal of classic action-adventure films. Regrettably, despite the chasm’s creatures being quite slimy and gooey, there’s a missing texture that makes them less engaging than they could be.

It’s clear that “The Gorge” wasn’t destined for greatness in terms of cinema. However, with a bit more dedication, it could have been a delightful, action-packed romp that doesn’t need to be Academy Award-worthy to be enjoyable. Sadly, it appears it lacks the necessary effort. The pairing of Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller on screen feels reminiscent of Anne Hathaway and James Franco as co-hosts of the Oscars, where one actor seems fully invested while the other seems to be merely present. Add to that a visually uninteresting setting (a mysterious gorge surrounded by ominous towers), bland dialogue, and a climax that’s completely wasted, and “The Gorge” becomes an inevitable letdown.

“The Gorge” premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14.

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2025-02-13 20:30