Despite some missteps in Scott Derrickson’s previous works, he has generally delivered a good dose of suspense and fear. His movie, “Sinister,” is often considered one of the best horror films of the 2010s, and “The Black Phone” was such a blockbuster that Derrickson will return to cinemas later this year with its sequel. Given the star-studded cast of “The Gorge,” featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller, it was unlikely that Derrickson’s Apple TV+ horror film wouldn’t be at least engaging. While it is entertaining, there’s only so much Derrickson’s skilled direction can accomplish with Zach Dean’s script, which unfortunately fails to fully exploit the promising concept of “The Gorge.
In “The Gorge,” we delve into the tale of two elite marksmen, Levi (portrayed by Teller) and Drasa (played by Taylor-Joy), who hail from the United States and Lithuania respectively. Their professions as assassins have left them devoid of deep human connections, having spent years pulling triggers for financial gain or duty. Now, they yearn for a more significant meaning in life.
Fortunately, their solitude proves useful when they are recruited to guard defense towers situated around an enigmatic gorge. Their responsibilities include replenishing ammunition for automated guns, maintaining the devices that scramble satellite signals, ensuring privacy, and readying themselves to fight whenever the fog-enshrouded chasm’s humanoid inhabitants attempt to scale its cliffs.
Drasa and Levi are unsure about their destination or the threats they might encounter upon arrival, but their past in black ops operations compels them to take a similar risky step. Furthermore, they’ve been ordered not to engage with the people residing on the tower across the gorge, an enigmatic figure involved in their protective assignment. This instruction emphasizes the secrecy surrounding their mission and the measures their employers are prepared to take to safeguard the gorge’s mysteries. Nevertheless, humans crave connection. As time passes, Drasa and Levi succumb to temptation and start exchanging messages, written on whiteboards and papers, which they can read from a distance using binoculars.
One of the movie’s standout qualities is its ingenious core concept, making one ponder why no one else has attempted something similar before. The isolated setting within each tower provides director Derrickson with an ideal backdrop to delve into the profound impact of routine, which serves both as a useful mechanism and a restrictive force in human life. Characters Drasa and Levi find comfort in the predictability of their daily routines, using them to distract themselves from the gloomy recesses of their memories. However, they yearn for ways to break free from the monotony, expressing themselves creatively through art or taking on household tasks that go beyond their routine duties. As their bond develops across the canyon, these two characters also demonstrate remarkable ingenuity in expressing affection towards each other despite the physical distance between them.
In the intriguing setting of “The Gorge“, Drasa and Levi’s love story unfolds, a tale that showcases how love can be found in the most unexpected places, and the delight of connecting with someone who allows you to reveal your innermost feelings and burdens. Simultaneously, the sci-fi environment of the gorge transports the film into a realm of fantasy. Derrickson skillfully employs the protagonists’ past and the characteristics of the gorge to create authentic frightening moments and exhilarating action sequences. Although these elements don’t always blend seamlessly, “The Gorge” shines brilliantly when they do.
Despite its appealing aspects, the film has significant flaws. Most notably, the choice to rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI) for creature design rather than practical effects is questionable. While CGI can save costs, a low budget is a major concern for films intended for streaming. However, during the intense action scenes, characters Drasa and Levi find themselves battling an array of creatures that seem weightless due to their digital nature. In truth, the latter half of “The Gorge” becomes overly reliant on digital effects, making it appear as though Taylor-Joy and Teller are mere video game characters indiscriminately attacking enemies.
Dean’s script lends an uneasy vibe to the film The Gorge, suggesting that it might be more effectively presented as a video game. The initial half of the movie allows ample room for us to familiarize ourselves with the main characters, delve into their personalities, and become invested in their outcomes. Conversely, the latter half seems to be a series of action sequences punctuated by overt exposition.
The film The Gorge appears to lack faith in its audience’s ability to grasp its supernatural elements. However, given that the plot twists are quite predictable and heavily hinted at, it impedes the movie’s flow when it frequently pauses for a secondary character to dispense unnecessary information, which detracts from the overall pacing.
It’s important to consider that some parts of the movie, “The Gorge,” might seem like they were influenced by studio intervention, as streaming platforms sometimes simplify plotlines to appeal to a broader audience. However, since we don’t have insight into what occurred during production, it’s more reasonable to criticize the individual who agreed to the final script. The film does have a pivotal moment where the narrative veers away from the captivating performances by Taylor-Joy and Teller towards typical survival horror clichés.
Despite its flaws, there’s plenty of reasons to appreciate “The Gorge“. The performances by Taylor-Joy and Teller bring their characters to life convincingly. It’s quite engaging to witness these two flawed individuals finding love amidst battling hordes of monsters. Director Derrickson does an excellent job, even making the most basic interactions between the duo intriguing – just consider the scene where Drasa and Levi first meet; it alone makes the entire movie worthwhile.
It’s unfortunate that The Gorge, despite its potential, doesn’t quite live up to all expectations. A few edits could be made to shorten the runtime without sacrificing the most impactful moments, and some script adjustments would lead to a smoother viewing experience overall. Additionally, if the special effects were improved, particularly with more practical effects, this film could potentially be a blockbuster success, as its action scenes would shine on the big screen. Nevertheless, Derrickson manages to deliver an enjoyable popcorn movie. In conclusion, by the end of the credits, The Gorge makes watching it worthwhile, even if it’s from your couch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The Gorge premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ on February 14th.
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2025-02-13 20:11