#REVIEW: “THE GORGE”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are two highly-trained operatives who are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a highly classified gorge, protecting the world from a mysterious evil that lurks within. Levi is in the West tower and Drasa in the East. They only have one rule, don’t speak to anyone from the opposite post. However, the effervescent Drasa finds a way to communicate using cue cards and binoculars. As months pass, the two grow close. But what exactly’s in the gorge?

At first, we follow Levi and Drasa as individuals. We learn they are both an excellent kill shot from long-range and that neither has much to live for. They are perfect candidates according to their government agencies to live this isolated life for an unknown amount of time. Once Levi spots Drasa across the gorge his eyes brighten. And when Drasa cheekily begins communicating on her birthday, a spark is ignited.

Taylor-Joy is fantastic at expressing the free-sprit nature of Drasa which makes it impossible not to love this sniper. There are some sappy lines of dialogue, that are usually reserved for traditional Romance films. However, the talent of Teller and Taylor-Joy anchor the sentimental dialogue and excel in creating vibrant chemistry so the romance still mixes with the Sci-Fi.

The mystery surrounding the gorge is one of the strongest elements of the story. What exactly is below the mist? It keeps the audience guessing until an unfortunate accident catapults the two lovebirds right into the answer. The Sci-Fi genre comes to life when the two find themselves in a world below the world. One where tree roots grow around the living and colourful hues light up the fog.

This Third Act includes ample action sequences that are fun and inventive. This world could easily become a best-selling video game. It’s also here that the truth becomes revealed. It’s one that many won’t see coming. Without giving too much away, it involves government chemical testing.

The Gorge is an innovative mix of Sci-Fi, Thriller, and Romance. It excels at each of the genres it tackles. The romance development is strong, the Sci-Fi element packs a punch and the Film overall, delivers many thrills. Yet, it feels like there is a lot going on which slightly takes away from the government storyline at its core.

THE GORGE streams Friday, February 14, 2025 on Apple TV+.