Not going to lie, at first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Gorge. In typical Apple TV fashion, not much is revealed until you’re watching the film. And while some parts left me with unanswered questions, for the most part, I was shocked—trying to figure out whether I was watching a romance, a thriller, or a sci-fi spectacle.
RELATED: Will Smith Is Reportedly Working On ‘Hitch’ Sequel 20 Years After Rom-com Debut
The Gorge is an electrifying blend of action, horror, and fantasy, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Anya Taylor-Joy once again proves her impeccable taste in roles, delivering a performance that captivates from start to finish.
RELATED: Freaky Tales: Official Trailer – Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jay Ellis
The story follows two highly trained operatives appointed to guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge. Their mission is to protect the world from a mysterious evil lurking within and to work together to ensure the dark secret of the gorge remains hidden. However, as they uncover shocking truths buried by the government, their duty becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.
Visually, The Gorge is stunning. Dark, atmospheric cinematography immerses the viewer in a landscape of relentless rain, eerie fog, and looming shadows. The creature designs, once fully revealed, are an unsettling mix of humanoid figures and tangled tree roots—like grotesque, demonic versions of Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. While their design is eerie, the film loses some of its mystique when the tension shifts from the looming unknown to a more straightforward monster chase through the gorge floor.
While The Gorge delivers blockbuster-level storytelling, at times, the storyline can be hard to follow. Some plot elements feel deliberately vague, leaving lingering questions that might frustrate certain viewers. One moment, the characters are swaying to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the next, they’re ensnared in an adhesive root system, swallowed by the very thing they were sent to contain. The film thrives in its eerie, slow-burning buildup, but as soon as it shifts into full-action mode, it becomes more predictable and, at times, superficial.
Beyond its thrilling action and sci-fi elements, the film carries an emotional core. The relationship between Drasa (Taylor-Joy) and Levi (Miles Teller) is built with nuance, unfolding naturally amidst the chaos. Their chemistry is undeniable, making their scenes together some of the most compelling moments in the film. Taylor-Joy delivers a powerhouse performance, seamlessly transitioning between intense action sequences and heartfelt moments, while Teller brings a layered complexity to Levi’s haunted past.
However, by the end, it feels like the film trades its early intrigue for a more conventional sci-fi thriller approach.
Leading the film is Miles Teller, who takes on the role of Levi Kane, a character shrouded in mystery and danger. Starring alongside him is Anya Taylor-Joy as Drasa, whose enigmatic presence adds intrigue to the story.
Hollywood legend Sigourney Weaver joins the cast as Bartholomew, bringing her signature gravitas to the film. Sope Dirisu plays J.D., while William Houston takes on the role of Erikas. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith steps in as the Black Ops Commander, adding to the film’s military edge.
Rounding out the ensemble are James Marlowe as Bradford Shaw, Julianna Kurokawa as Airman, Ruta Gedmintas as a WWII Scientist, and Oliver Trevena as Crewman. Additional supporting roles include Sachin Bhatt as Officer Pascoe, Samantha Coughlan as Janet, Alessandro Garcia as Ruben, Greta Hansen as Brit, Oliver Mason as Douchebag Passenger, and Larisa Munoz Mejia as a Female Police Officer.
The Gorge, an Apple Studios release, is rated PG-13 and is available to stream now.
