The Gorge: A Sci-Fi Mashup That Fails to Make Waves

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This story, much like how the weather in New England can change rapidly according to an old saying attributed to Mark Twain, starts off by introducing a captivating sci-fi concept, only to momentarily shift focus towards a subdued romantic narrative featuring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. However, it eventually abandons this for an action-packed finale that becomes progressively less thoughtful. Essentially, it’s a genre blend where each part doesn’t quite reach its full potential, but there are enjoyable moments to discover in a streaming format.

As a movie critic, I must confess that “The Gorge” kept me hooked from the start, with its central enigma — the sinister secret hidden within the misty canyon — captivating my attention. However, once the mystery was unveiled, the film’s credibility and intrigue seemed to dissipate like the fog itself. Director Scott Derrickson infused the movie with style, but it lacked that certain something to truly set it apart.

In the realm of modern sci-fi films starring just two protagonists, “The Gorge” finds itself in a peculiar position. It may not reach the heights of ‘Gravity’, the brilliant George Clooney and Sandra Bullock collaboration, but it definitely outshines ‘Passengers’, the lackluster effort from Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Similar to the four characters in those movies who were genetically fortunate, Teller and Taylor-Joy make an attractive duo, yet it’s Taylor-Joy who truly stands out. With her big, expressive eyes and a hint of mischief that sometimes seems reckless given the circumstances, Taylor-Joy has fewer scenes but manages to deliver more impact. She portrays Drasa, a skilled Lithuanian sniper with a terminally ill father and feelings of remorse for her career choices. Teller plays Levi, a former Marine and tormented American assassin who writes poetry as a means to express his sensitivity and internal struggles. He’s not just a tough, hardened killer; he’s a sensitive retired Marine and troubled assassin.

‘The Gorge’ Has Our Attention With a Promising Premise

In the screenplay of The Tomorrow War penned by Zach Dean, there are numerous instances where attempts to elevate the narrative with references to T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost feel forced and insincere, as the story seems to be self-sufficient without such embellishments. For instance, the protagonist Levi is recruited for a highly confidential mission by a stern, corporate executive (played by Sigourney Weaver), leaving him unsure of his location upon deployment. This situation effectively captures our interest and suspense.

Worldwide, Drasa is chosen for a shared task: For a year, they will all be posted at observation towers on opposite ends of a vast, mist-covered chasm. This hidden ravine was kept secret by former Cold War adversaries since the end of World War II. Before leaving, Sope Dirisu, who is preparing for his next career move, informs Levi that at the base of the gorge live strange, terrifying, seldom-seen beings called the Hollow Men. The assignment for Levi and the individual manning the eastern outpost is to prevent these creatures from escaping.

Anya Taylor-Joy Proves Herself a Badass Once Again

Teller may be competent as an actor, but he lacks the charm and vitality needed for leading roles. He excels more in parts like the lovelorn or downcast characters that evoke sympathy from the audience. On the other hand, Taylor-Joy, who has demonstrated her versatility in projects such as The Queen’s Gambit and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, is a multitalented actress. It’s fortunate for us (and Levi) that she’s taking on the role of guarding the eastern side of the ravine.

Initially, Levi spots the captivating Drasa on the other side of the enigmatic 600-meter gap, dressed in fitting, stylish jeans – a hint that Derrickson (known for ‘Sinister’ and ‘The Black Phone’) isn’t crafting a timeless romance. Despite being barred from direct interaction, they start exchanging messages using large drawing pads, leaving us curious if they’ll have enough space to write for an entire year. In no time, they engage in friendly target practice across the chasm while the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” plays, but this fun is cut short by a Hollow Men assault, foreshadowing the peril they will face.

In the story, Levi and Drasa are portrayed as both stunningly beautiful yet burdened with troubles. It falls upon Teller and Taylor-Joy to engage our emotions through their charisma alone. And engage us they do, as Levi breaks rules by abseiling over a chasm while carrying flowers, aiming to encounter Drasa directly. Given that they haven’t seen another human in half a year, it would be understandable if they chose intimacy. However, director Derrickson aims to create a believable romantic bond, so instead, they share wine under a virtual landscape and discuss their respective kills.

Despite their limited time together, it’s hard to believe that shallow reasons like sensual dancing or intimate gazes could truly signify a deep connection, especially when we consider that it might have been born out of necessity and solitude. If the movie intends to provide an extra reason for Levi and Drasa to look out for each other, it would be more convincing if they were driven by the threat of a gruesome demise rather than romantic feelings.

Is What’s Inside The Gorge Worth the Wait?

Ultimately, The Gorge will live or die based on whatever awaits the pair at the bottom of the ravine, and we find out when Levi falls inside, followed immediately by Drasa to the rescue. The details of the movie’s final stretch will not be revealed here, but let’s just say Alfred Hitchcock was right when he said, “there is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” The reason for the gorge’s existence is about as interesting as the premise of many video games, and when Levi and Drasa stumble upon a film canister and a movie projector that answers all our questions, not only is the answer a letdown but so is how they earned it.

To put it simply, Derrickson infuses the show with an energetic vibe reminiscent of Saturday Night at the Movies, and he doesn’t shy away from a thrilling jump scare when bullets and monster debris are involved. Moreover, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provide another fantastic, rich, and discordant score that keeps us fully engaged.

The Gorge, produced by Skydance Media and Crooked Highway, boasts a plot that’s robust enough to endure its weak romantic narrative and shallow thrills. It’s a low-budget blend of films such as The Keep, Aliens, and Annihilation, but it falls short in terms of the high-octane action sequences of the former and the profound themes of the latter. The recitation of poetry might be its only claim to thematic depth in a sci-fi film, if you consider that an upgrade. Essentially, the events within the gorge are as forgettable as those depicted in The Gorge itself. It premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14. You can watch it through the link below:

OR

The Gorge, produced by Skydance Media and Crooked Highway, has a plot that can withstand its underwhelming love story and ordinary thrills. This amalgamation of movies like The Keep, Aliens, and Annihilation lacks the exceptional action skills of the first and the deep themes of the last, unless you view reciting poetry as an instant upgrade in a sci-fi film. In essence, what takes place within the gorge is as unremarkable as the events portrayed in The Gorge. It premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14. You can watch it through the link below:

OR

The Gorge, produced by Skydance Media and Crooked Highway, offers a plot that manages to stay afloat amidst its lackluster romance storyline and commonplace excitement. It’s a mix of films such as The Keep, Aliens, and Annihilation, but it doesn’t measure up to the extraordinary action sequences of the first or the profound themes of the last, unless you consider reciting poetry a significant enhancement in a sci-fi film. To put it simply, the occurrences within the gorge are as forgettable as those in The Gorge itself. It premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14. You can watch it through the link below:

Each version tries to convey the same message with slightly different wording to keep it interesting and fresh.

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2025-02-13 20:03