The Gorge Review - A Sci-Fi Thriller With Romance

When you hear the names Scott Derrickson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Miles Teller attached to a project, your expectations are understandably high. These are names associated with memorable films, impressive acting, and a unique artistic flair. Add a sci-fi thriller into the mix, and you might think The Gorge would follow a predictable path. However, as much as it embraces its genre roots, it cleverly mixes in elements that make it more than just your typical action-packed, alien-fueled adventure. Let's dive into the film's unexpected twists and what makes it stand out.

A Romance that Transcends the Expected

The core of The Gorge isn’t just the mystery surrounding a massive chasm filled with terrifying monsters; it's the unexpected and rather unconventional romance between Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy). At first glance, you might think this is just another "action hero falls for the girl" trope, but there's something more subtle and engaging about their chemistry. As two highly trained operatives tasked with guarding the gorge, the two start out as distant colleagues, separated by their posts on either side of the gorge. The setup is ripe for tension, but Derrickson flips the script and lets us see their growing attraction through small, simple gestures—exchanges of messages, stolen moments, and a growing sense of intimacy.

Their romance is not only believable but adds a crucial emotional layer to the film. As the stakes grow higher and the threats more deadly, the audience becomes invested in their relationship. It isn’t just the thrill of survival that holds our attention, but the hope that they can somehow make it through together. The chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy is palpable—there's a genuine connection that makes their bond feel real, and that’s where the movie truly shines.

Sci-Fi Thrills with a Hint of Predictability

Once the couple ventures into the gorge, the sci-fi thriller elements begin to take center stage. The film delivers some solid action and tense moments, but, let’s be honest, it doesn’t break new ground. The gorge, with its otherworldly creatures and looming dangers, feels like something we've seen before in countless thrillers and horror films. And yet, even with its predictability, the movie still manages to keep you engaged. There’s a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, not necessarily because you’re wondering what will happen next, but because you care about the characters.

As they navigate the gorge’s perilous terrain and confront the monsters within, the audience is taken on a thrilling ride. But it’s not the scares that make this film worthwhile—it's the emotional weight of the stakes that keeps you invested. You want them to make it out alive, and the more perilous their journey becomes, the more you find yourself rooting for them.

A Genre-Bending Masterpiece (Sort of)

The Gorge is undoubtedly a genre-blending film. It mixes romance, horror, sci-fi, and thriller elements, resulting in a unique, though not entirely groundbreaking, cinematic experience. There are moments that feel a bit familiar, especially if you’ve seen films like Resident Evil or Annihilation. However, The Gorge does an admirable job of blending these influences into something fresh and exciting.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—this movie is not perfect. There are plot points left unresolved and a few moments that feel a bit too familiar, like the ever-popular “mysterious evil lurking in the abyss” trope. The screenplay could have tightened up a few of these moments, and the pacing feels a bit uneven at times. Still, the movie is more than just a sum of its parts. The performances from Teller and Taylor-Joy elevate it, making it far more compelling than the typical sci-fi thriller.

The Verdict: A Surprisingly Traditional Romance in a Modern Setting

On a day when Valentine’s Day is typically reserved for the typical rom-com fare, The Gorge provides an unexpected yet surprisingly fitting alternative. While the premise of two soldiers guarding a massive gorge filled with monsters might not seem like the first choice for a date night movie, there’s something about the central romance that makes it work.

In a year full of unconventional love stories—think Heart Eyes, Love Hurts, and The Dead Thing—The Gorge feels almost traditional in comparison. It might not be the most groundbreaking film you’ll see this year, but it’s certainly an entertaining one. It blends genres effortlessly and offers just enough action, romance, and suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish. And for those of us who love a good love story wrapped in a thrilling adventure, The Gorge hits all the right notes.

At the end of the day, The Gorge is a visually stunning, action-packed, and unexpectedly heartfelt film. It may not be perfect, but it's a unique addition to the sci-fi thriller genre—and it’s one that might just surprise you.