The Gorge: Sniper Romance Thriller Takes Aim at Hearts and Minds

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It’s no secret that director Scott Derrickson takes his time between films; in fact, this statement might be an understatement. For instance, after his 2016 MCU hit “Doctor Strange,” he didn’t release another film until five years later with the 2021 horror sensation “The Black Phone.” Now, four years following that movie, his latest thriller “The Gorge” is slated to premiere on Apple TV+ on February 14. The anticipation has been building, and early responses to the film suggest whether or not it was worth the wait.

As someone who’s recently caught a sneak peek at “The Gorge”, I must say, the responses from those who attended the early screenings have been nothing short of enthusiastic. Given that this film is directed by the same visionary behind films like “Sinister” and “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, it’s no wonder that suspense is delivered with such finesse. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, in their roles as two snipers guarding a mysterious gorge, are a dynamic duo to watch. The anticipation is palpable!

According to Jake Peffer from Jake’s Cinema Room, “The Gorge” encompasses a wide range of genres. He noted that it is filled with action, offers an engaging sci-fi narrative with hints of horror, and manages to incorporate a romantic angle too. While there are some areas that could use improvement, the strong direction by Derrickson and standout performances by the main actors make it a worthwhile watch.

Similarly, Chris Killian from ComicBook.com shared a similar sentiment about “The Gorge”. He also drew an interesting comparison between it and both a popular romantic comedy and a classic zombie movie, suggesting that if you enjoyed those, you’ll find something to appreciate in “The Gorge” as well.

The Gorge offers a unique blend – a combination of romantic comedy and horror-action elements. Imagine if the characters from Sleepless in Seattle were actually snipers in a Resident Evil game. Although some computer graphics are less polished, the freshness of the idea and the spark between Miles and Anya make it an entertaining journey.

‘The Gorge’ Is Surprisingly Romantic

It’s not Valentine’s Day without a touch of romance, and Killian isn’t the only one to notice the romantic aspects in “The Gorge“. This discovery was unexpected. Bill Bria from Slash Film commented that among all the Valentine releases this year, “The Gorge” is the most sincerely romantic. He even went as far as saying it might be his favorite Scott Derrickson film yet. Given Derrickson’s impressive track record, this is quite a statement. With “The Black Phone 2” due later this year, it looks like another hit for the director.

Lauren Veneziani of DC Film Girl added her thoughts on the latest thriller: “The Gorge is among the most compelling romances of the year. Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller share such a harmonious connection that it was captivating to observe. The dance sequence, oh my goodness, and their stunt coordination left me spellbound. I couldn’t tear myself away from start to finish.” With the dance scene being a standout feature, our curiosity is piqued even more about this film.

Sure thing!

Reviews can often be influenced by personal opinions, so whether or not The Gorge is a notable addition to Derrickson’s filmography is up for you to decide once it becomes available on Apple TV+ on Feb. 14. If you’d like a reminder of how impressive The Black Phone is before the sequel arrives on Oct. 17, make sure to give it a watch on Peacock.

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2025-02-12 20:03