The Gorge (2025) - Film Review

      The Gorge, 2025.

      Directed by Scott Derrickson.

      Featuring Anya Taylor-Joy, Miles Teller, Sigourney Weaver, Sope Dirisu, William Houston, Samantha Coughlan, Alessandro Garcia, Greta Hansen, and Adam Scott-Rowley.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Two highly-skilled operatives form a bond while tasked with guarding opposite ends of an enigmatic gorge. As a malevolent force arises, they must unite to navigate the dangers hidden within.

      In The Gorge, director Scott Derrickson (a consistent figure in horror, with works like Sinister and the recent The Black Phone) and screenwriter Zach Dean (The Tomorrow War) skillfully blend mystery, clichéd romance, and nostalgic Capcom-style horror-action excitement.

      Initially, their partnership seems unexpected, given their expertise in differing genres (though Derrickson also directed the first Doctor Strange, restrictions often limit creativity within the MCU). Moreover, much of the film’s buildup relies on convincing the audience to engage with a romance that is developed slowly. However, The Gorge is a unique blend of genres that maintains a coherent tone throughout. After viewing it, it becomes clear why Apple has opted for a Valentine’s Day release, even if it puts them against a new MCU entry.

      The story follows two operatives stationed on either side of a gorge situated at an undisclosed location. Hidden from maps, the gorge is monitored by security towers manned year-round by private contractors, none of whom are fully briefed on their mission. Their predecessor gives them a brief overview before leaving, mentioning that the gorge is supposedly a gateway to hell. To emphasize the seriousness, they typically throw a grenade to elicit a reaction from the horrific creatures below. These entities, known as The Hollow Men, are zombie-like beings intertwined with nature, resembling walking trees.

      The unfortunate operatives assigned to guard this treacherous location this year are elite snipers. Miles Teller's Levi has lost all hope, while Anya Taylor-Joy's Lithuanian character, Drasa, is facing the impending loss of her father Erikas (played by William Houston), who has devised a way to signal her through astrology when he has passed. They are strictly forbidden from communicating; Levi is under orders from a mysterious Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver) to disregard anyone on the opposite side and concentrate on data collection while monitoring the threat below.

      The filmmakers effectively portray the loneliness and the impending grief of Drasa over her father's illness as reasons for her to gradually open up to Levi. They engage in typical means of communication found in these situations: using binoculars and writing notes. Although hesitant, Levi soon relents and uses a grappling hook to connect with Drasa. They bond over their experiences as snipers, the enigma of their mission, and unexpectedly, share moments through music and dance. While it may sound trivial, Teller and Taylor-Joy manage to convey a genuine chemistry, especially during their slow dance scene, making it resonate. Though both characters carry inner turmoil, the film avoids taking itself too seriously or neglecting its intrinsic charm.

      Inevitably, their interactions awaken The Hollow Men, trapping them within the gorge. Here, the horror-action elements emerge, captured through an unsettling yellow fog (thanks to the expertise of cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who effectively crafts a vast yet perilous atmosphere). The disturbing design of The Hollow Men is complemented by a tense soundtrack from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. There’s also an amusing acknowledgment of the absurdity as they venture deeper into the gorge, encountering hidden research facilities reminiscent of survival horror games, complete with notes and videos providing offbeat exposition about the creatures. The action scenes are well-coordinated, highlighted by an exceptional vertical battle within an airlifted jeep.

      Amidst the chaos, the romantic moments remain poignant, although it seems that neither Derrickson nor Dean had a fully satisfying conclusion planned. The final scene may feel excessive and somewhat forced. It’s important to note that while the film is entertaining, it isn't particularly groundbreaking, and its runtime of over two hours suggests that certain segments could be tightened.

      Nevertheless, The Gorge succeeds primarily because it intelligently avoids trying to do too much at once, allowing for smooth genre transitions and featuring committed performances from Teller and Taylor-Joy. Derrickson and Dean’s vision aligns beautifully, skillfully combining heartfelt romance, visually striking terror, wild military cover-ups, thrilling sharpshooter action, and fun video game-like energy.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is part of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Reviews Editor for Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews and follow on BlueSky or Letterboxd.