The Gorge – Film Review

Scott Derrickson’s The Gorge is a thrilling blend of science fiction, horror, and action, wrapped in a high-stakes romance that pits two elite snipers against an unspeakable nightmare. With an intriguing premise, pulse-pounding action, and a chilling sense of mystery, the film delivers an engaging experience, even if it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambition. Anchored by strong performances from Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, The Gorge weaves together military suspense, monstrous horrors, and a forbidden love story into an intense cinematic experience.

From the very first frame, The Gorge establishes itself as a tense, slow-burn thriller, immersing audiences in a bleak and isolated setting. The film follows Levi Kane (Teller), an American private contractor, and Drasa (Taylor-Joy), a Lithuanian sniper working for Russian forces, as they take up positions on opposite sides of a mysterious gorge. Their orders are simple: guard their respective towers and eliminate anything that emerges from the abyss.

However, as time passes, curiosity and loneliness bring them together, defying strict protocols and sparking a forbidden romance. But what truly lurks within the gorge? The film expertly builds suspense as Levi and Drasa’s relationship develops in the shadow of the unknown, leading to disturbing revelations about the horrors that lie below.

Derrickson, best known for his work on Sinister and Doctor Strange, crafts a moody and atmospheric tale that thrives on its slow-burn horror elements. The isolation of the snipers, their increasing paranoia, and the looming dread of what might emerge from the gorge create an immersive experience. The setting itself—a cold, desolate military outpost overlooking a seemingly endless chasm—acts as an omnipresent threat, amplifying the psychological tension.

One of The Gorge’s most striking aspects is how it seamlessly blends multiple genres. The horror elements are undeniably effective, with eerie, nightmarish imagery surrounding the “hollow men,” grotesque creatures born from twisted bioweapon experimentation. These beings, spliced with animal, plant, and insect DNA, evoke a sense of Lovecraftian horror, reinforcing the idea that some things should never be uncovered.

At the same time, the film doesn’t rely solely on horror. The action sequences are impressively staged, particularly as Levi and Drasa navigate the dangers of the gorge. Their attempts to escape are filled with nerve-wracking gunfights, desperate chases, and visceral hand-to-hand combat against both human enemies and mutated horrors. Derrickson demonstrates his ability to craft thrilling set pieces, blending practical effects with CGI to create high-intensity action sequences that feel weighty and impactful.

Surprisingly, The Gorge also functions as a deeply emotional love story. Levi and Drasa’s relationship is given significant depth, as they are forced to confront not just the horrors around them, but also the complexities of their own allegiances and fears. Their dynamic evolves naturally, shifting from wary adversaries to forbidden lovers, and Teller and Taylor-Joy’s chemistry ensures that the romance feels compelling rather than forced.

Miles Teller delivers a strong performance as Levi, portraying him as a rugged yet vulnerable soldier who masks his personal failures with bravado. He brings a relatable humanity to the role, ensuring that Levi’s struggles and decisions feel believable. Teller excels in the film’s action sequences, but he also conveys the emotional weight of his character’s journey, particularly in his interactions with Drasa.

Anya Taylor-Joy continues to prove why she is one of the most captivating actors of her generation. As Drasa, she is enigmatic yet deeply compelling, embodying a soldier who has lived her life in the shadows of war. Taylor-Joy’s performance is nuanced, balancing her character’s cold, methodical nature with moments of warmth and vulnerability. Her ability to shift between quiet intensity and raw emotion makes Drasa a standout character.

Sigourney Weaver, in a supporting role, brings gravitas to the film, playing a mysterious figure tied to the classified history of the gorge. Though her screen time is limited, her presence adds a layer of authority and intrigue to the story.

While The Gorge excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. The film’s ambitious narrative occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in the middle act. After an engaging and suspenseful first half, the story loses some of its momentum as it shifts into full-blown action mode. Some of the exposition regarding the gorge’s origins and the involvement of Darklake—a shadowy organization seeking to exploit the horrors within—feels rushed, and the corporate conspiracy subplot, while intriguing, is somewhat underdeveloped.

Additionally, the third act leans heavily into spectacle, featuring a large-scale climax that, while thrilling, feels slightly at odds with the film’s more intimate and psychological beginnings. The tonal shift from eerie horror to full-fledged action thriller might not sit well with all viewers, especially those expecting a more restrained and ambiguous resolution.

Visually, The Gorge is stunning. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the remote landscape, emphasizing the vast emptiness surrounding Levi and Drasa. The use of light and shadow plays a crucial role in the film’s horror sequences, with the gorge itself remaining a dark and ominous presence. The creature designs are suitably grotesque, blending practical effects with CGI to create nightmarish beings that feel tangible and terrifying.

The film’s sound design and score are equally effective, heightening the tension with eerie, otherworldly sounds emanating from the gorge. Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, a frequent collaborator of Derrickson’s, delivers a haunting score that blends military percussion with unsettling, atmospheric compositions.

Despite its occasional missteps, The Gorge remains a gripping and well-crafted entry in the sci-fi horror genre. It successfully combines military thriller elements with cosmic horror, delivering an experience that is both thought-provoking and viscerally intense. The film’s strong performances, atmospheric tension, and well-executed action sequences make it an engaging watch, even if its narrative ambitions slightly outpace its execution.

For those who appreciate a genre-bending film that blends horror, action, and romance, The Gorge is well worth the watch. It may not redefine the sci-fi horror landscape, but it delivers a memorable and thrilling ride.