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New Movies: The Gorge (2025) by Scott Derrickson: Love and Lurking Evil at the Edge of the World

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jul 12
  • 13 min read

Core Summary: An Unlikely Romance Amidst Apocalyptic Vigilance

The Gorge (2025) is a science fiction action-thriller with strong romantic and horror elements, directed by Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, The Black Phone). The film centers on two highly-trained operatives, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), who are assigned to isolated guard towers on opposite sides of a vast, highly classified gorge. Their mission is to protect the world from a mysterious and horrifying evil that lurks within its depths. Forbidden from communicating, an unlikely and poignant romance blossoms between them from a distance. However, when the terrifying entity within the gorge begins to stir, they are forced to break protocol, descend into the unknown, and confront the truth of what they are guarding, pushing their skills and their burgeoning relationship to the ultimate test of survival.

Summary Short: Two elite operatives fall in love while guarding a mysterious gorge, only to confront the terrifying evil within it when it threatens to escape.

Scott Derrickson's The Gorge (2025) is a genre-bending film where Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy play operatives who develop a forbidden romance across a mysterious gorge, forcing them to unite and face the monstrous secret it holds.

Detailed Summary: The Depths of Connection and Cosmic Horror

The Gorge weaves together a unique blend of genres, creating a narrative that explores human connection amidst existential threats and a chilling, unknown evil.

  • The Isolated Guardians: The story begins by introducing Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), two highly skilled but distinct operatives stationed on opposing sides of a massive, mist-shrouded gorge. Their primary directive is to watch and protect, with strict orders against direct communication. The enigma of the gorge itself, and the unspecified "evil" it contains, immediately sets a tone of suspense and mystery.

  • A Forbidden Romance: Despite the isolation and strictures, Levi, an American mercenary, and Drasa, a Lithuanian colleague, begin to develop a bond. Their communication evolves from distant observations through binoculars and scopes to intricate, wordless interactions, even playing chess across the chasm. This long-distance courtship forms the emotional core of the film, allowing their characters to connect on a deeply human level, often through the silent language of mutual respect and growing affection. This phase of the film is noted for its "surprisingly sweet romance" and the "believable chemistry" between Teller and Taylor-Joy.

  • The Stirring Evil: The peace of their isolated vigil is shattered when the mysterious entity within the gorge begins to show signs of awakening or attempting to escape. This forces the operatives to confront the "horrific" secret they've been guarding. The film then shifts gears, moving into intense action and sci-fi horror as Levi and Drasa are compelled to descend into the gorge to understand and combat the threat.

  • Unveiling the Mystery: The mysteries of the gorge are gradually revealed. It's an ancient, highly classified site, with its secrets guarded by shadowy organizations (led by Sigourney Weaver's character, Bartholomew) and a history dating back to the Cold War. The "evil" within is revealed to involve cross-mutated plant and animal life, including "Hollow Men" – missing soldiers from decades past, transformed by a bioweapons contaminant leak from an abandoned World War II research lab.

  • Action and Survival: The latter half of the film features "rollicking, action-packed thrills" as Levi and Drasa fight off hostile lifeforms and navigate the dangerous environment of the gorge. Their combat skills and ability to work in tandem become crucial for survival, leading to high-intensity sequences.

  • Themes of Trust and Connection: Beyond the action, the narrative explores themes of trust, breaking rules for genuine connection, and facing one's "shadow-self." Levi, in particular, grapples with internal secrets and fears, as the descent into the gorge becomes a metaphorical journey into his own subconscious.

The Gorge aims to be a genre-bending experience, using a fantastical premise to explore profound human connections and the chilling nature of hidden evils.

Director's Vision: Scott Derrickson's Genre Fusion with a Human Core

Scott Derrickson, known for blending horror with other genres (Sinister, The Black Phone, Doctor Strange), brings a distinctive vision to The Gorge, emphasizing surprise, character, and tactile realism.

  • Genre Blending: Derrickson's primary interest in the Zach Dean script was its ability to "surprise" him by combining elements of romance, comedy, sci-fi, and horror without feeling disjointed. He consciously navigates these tonal shifts, aiming for a "satisfactory genre hybrid."

  • Character-Driven Connection: Despite the high concept and action, Derrickson focuses heavily on the relationship between Levi and Drasa. He spent significant time crafting their "wordless flirtation" and emotional connection across the distance, emphasizing their "loneliness" and how they find solace in each other. He highlights how the actors' performances "elevated the material" beyond the script.

  • Tactile Realism and Atmosphere: Derrickson was committed to making the setting feel real and tactile, even with CGI elements. He utilized techniques like the augmented reality tool Cyclops to visualize virtual environments from real photography (shot in Norway) in real-time, allowing for authentic compositional choices. He also embraced the "grueling" nature of shooting in real outdoor locations to enhance the film's sense of place and atmosphere.

  • Visual Storytelling: Recognizing that the film would be streamed on various devices, Derrickson consciously composed more close-ups to maintain visual interest. He used cinematography (by Dan Laustsen) to create an "eerie atmosphere" and emphasize POV shots, building on classic suspense techniques.

  • Metaphorical Depths: Derrickson explicitly states that the gorge itself is a metaphor for the "underworld" and the "Jungian dark side" or "shadow-selves" that the characters must confront within themselves, particularly Levi. He intended the physical descent to parallel an internal journey of revealing one's own secrets and fears.

Themes: Connection in Isolation, Unveiling Hidden Truths, Forbidden Love, Humanity vs. Unseen Evil, Trust & Betrayal, The Shadow Self

  • Connection in Isolation: The central theme of two individuals forming a deep bond despite physical distance and strict communication protocols.

  • Unveiling Hidden Truths: The mystery of the gorge and the secrets of the organizations guarding it represent the larger theme of discovering concealed realities, both external and internal.

  • Forbidden Love: The development of a romantic relationship that goes against the established rules of their highly classified mission.

  • Humanity vs. Unseen Evil: The struggle against a monstrous, unknown entity, pushing the boundaries of survival and defining what it means to be human in extreme circumstances.

  • Trust and Betrayal: As secrets unravel, the dynamics of trust between the characters and their superiors come into play.

  • The Shadow Self (Jungian concept): Derrickson himself notes the gorge as a metaphor for confronting one's darker, unacknowledged aspects of self.

Key Success Factors: Star Power, Genre Blending, and Unique Premise

  • Star-Studded Cast: The pairing of Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, both highly bankable and talented actors, provides significant star power and on-screen chemistry. The addition of Sigourney Weaver is also a major draw.

  • Intriguing Genre Blend: Scott Derrickson's reputation for skillfully combining horror, sci-fi, and drama creates an expectation for a unique and engaging film experience.

  • High-Concept Premise: The mysterious gorge and the isolated operatives guarding it offer a compelling and suspenseful setup.

  • Atmospheric Visuals & Score: Cinematography by Dan Laustsen (known for John Wick and Guillermo del Toro films) and music by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross contribute to a strong, atmospheric production.

  • Apple TV+ Release: Being an Apple Original Film ensures wide global reach and significant marketing support.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Scott Derrickson's The Gorge (2025) is an Apple TV+ genre hybrid, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as isolated operatives who find love guarding a monstrous secret, forcing them into a thrilling battle against unknown evil when it surfaces.

Awards & Nominations: A High-Profile Apple Original

The Gorge is a significant Apple Original Film and has garnered attention due to its star-studded cast and renowned director.

While specific major awards nominations are still pending as of July 2025, its high-profile release on Apple TV+ and the talent involved suggest it's a film that will be considered for various industry accolades. Its genre-bending nature could see it recognized in sci-fi, action, or even romance categories.

  • Apple TV+ Release: As a flagship Apple TV+ movie, it benefits from extensive promotion and a platform that often sees its originals nominated for major streaming and industry awards (e.g., Emmys, Golden Globes for TV categories, though this is a film).

  • Talent Recognition: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver are all highly respected actors, increasing the film's potential for acting nominations.

  • Technical Achievements: With cinematography by Dan Laustsen (known for his work on Guillermo del Toro films) and music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the film could be recognized for its technical merits, including visuals and score.

Critics' Reception: A Genre Blend with Peaks and Valleys

Critics have offered a generally mixed but often intrigued reception for The Gorge, praising its ambitious premise and the chemistry between its leads, while some noted an unevenness in its genre blending and plot revelations.

  • The MacGuffin (B-): Describes it as a "B-level flick that works almost entirely by the charisma of its stars," calling the plot "preposterous and silly" but acknowledging the "surprisingly sweet romance." The review highlights the "strongest section" being the wordless flirtation between Levi and Drasa. It notes the abrupt tonal shift when they enter the gorge, which might "disappoint" romance fans but "reward" sci-fi action enthusiasts.

  • Review of The Gorge (Reddit's r/moviereviews): Many users expressed mixed feelings. Some found "plot holes the size of Wisconsin" and called it "ridiculous and lousy," while others praised the "good acting," "intense special effects," and its entertainment value. One insightful comment suggested the film's "messy" structure aligns with the "Hollow Men" theme (referencing T.S. Eliot), implying emptiness and a limbo existence, contrasted by the love story.

  • Keith & the Movies: Praises Derrickson and Dean for creating a film with "no shortage of surprises" that feels "fresh and exciting" by blending sci-fi, action, and horror. It specifically commends Teller and Taylor-Joy's performances, stating they "know their assignments and have a lot of fun fulfilling them." However, it points out that the "budding relationship is a bit rushed, leading to an abrupt character transformation."

  • Screen Rant: Notes the script is "shaky" but that Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller "prove they're movie stars by winning me over anyway." This review highlights the "movie-star chemistry" and "evocative & creepy creature designs," but critiques "thin characters and only the skeleton of a compelling story," along with "overeager plotting [that] kills a necessary sense of mystery."

  • Moria Reviews: Acknowledges the "novel science-fiction premise" and the "lively pas de deux" between Taylor-Joy and Teller. It notes the film's shift from an "ominous threat" and relationship development in the first two acts to a "Monster Movie with a strong action emphasis" in the third, feeling like a "shooter videogame." It critiques the rational explanation for the monstrosities for "reducing much of the fantastic build-up and mystery."

  • IGN: Praised it for having "wondrous lo-fi charm."

Overall, critics are intrigued by The Gorge's ambitious fusion of genres. The undeniable chemistry and commitment of Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy are frequently cited as the film's biggest assets, often elevating material that critics find to be inconsistent or overly explanatory. The first half, focusing on the remote romance and mystery, generally received more consistent praise than the action-heavy descent into the gorge.

Reviews: Audiences Embracing the Thrills and the Romance

Audience reactions to The Gorge appear to be largely positive, especially from those who appreciate a unique genre blend, strong performances, and a compelling central romance.

  • Engaging Romance: Many viewers were captivated by the unconventional love story between Levi and Drasa. The initial wordless communication and the development of their bond against a dangerous backdrop were particularly resonant, with many praising the "lots of chemistry" between the leads.

  • Action and Sci-Fi Thrills: Audiences found the action sequences "intense" and the sci-fi elements "intriguing." The descent into the gorge and the encounters with the "Hollow Men" provided the thrills that many were looking for.

  • Satisfying Conclusion (for some): Unlike some critics, several audience members found the ending "satisfying" and felt that it "provides a satisfying conclusion, addressing all plot points comprehensively."

  • "Go In Blind" Recommendation: A common piece of advice from positive audience reviews is to "go into it blind, and just enjoy it for what it is, not what you expect or want it to be." This suggests the film's unique blend might be best appreciated without preconceived notions.

  • Mixed on Plot Holes/Explanations: While many enjoyed the ride, some audience members, similar to critics, pointed out "massive plot holes" or felt that "too much is explained; some of which is cliche and does not make sense," leading to a loss of mystery.

  • Entertainment Value: Despite any perceived flaws, a recurring sentiment is that the film is "entertaining" and "a damn good time" for its two-hour runtime.

Overall, The Gorge seems to have resonated well with its target audience on Apple TV+, providing a compelling mix of romance, action, and sci-fi. The performances of Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, along with the film's unique premise and production values, are key drivers of its audience appeal.

Box Office: Streaming Success, No Traditional Box Office

As an Apple Original Film released directly to Apple TV+, The Gorge did not have a traditional theatrical box office run to report. Its success is measured by streaming metrics.

  • Streaming Performance: The film "found sustained dominance on streaming charts," entering the top 10 in over 50 countries globally, including ranking #3 in the United States shortly after its release. It reportedly had a $70 million budget.

Overall Summary of Box Office: The Gorge is a major streaming release by Apple Original Films. It did not have a traditional box office performance but achieved significant global streaming success on Apple TV+ immediately following its release.

Production Summary: High-Budget Sci-Fi Thriller

The Gorge (2025) is an American action, sci-fi, romance, and horror film with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes (127 minutes). It is directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Zach Dean. The film stars Miles Teller as Levi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Drasa, and Sigourney Weaver as Bartholomew. Other cast members include Sope Dirisu (J.D.), William Houston (Erikas), and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Black Ops Commander). The film was produced by Skydance Media and Crooked Highway, with Scott Derrickson, Sherryl Clark, C. Robert Cargill, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger serving as producers. The cinematography was handled by Dan Laustsen, and the original score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The film reportedly had a production budget of $70 million.

Production Companies: Major Studio Backing

The Gorge benefits from significant backing from prominent production entities:

  • Skydance Media: A major production company known for action, sci-fi, and animated films (e.g., Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible franchise).

  • Crooked Highway: Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill's production banner, indicating a direct creative involvement from the director.

Sales Companies: Internal to Apple (Not Applicable)

As an Apple Original Film, The Gorge was acquired by Apple for its streaming service, Apple TV+. Therefore, a traditional "sales company" that sells distribution rights to external distributors is not applicable in this model. Apple functions as its own sales and distribution entity for its originals.

Distribution Companies: Apple TV+ (Global Streaming)

The Gorge is an Apple Original Film, distributed globally and exclusively via Apple TV+.

Release Date on Streaming: February 14, 2025 (Global)

The Gorge premiered globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Theatrical Release: Limited Premiere Event

The Gorge did not have a broad theatrical release. It had a world premiere event at the AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles on February 13, 2025, with the cast and crew in attendance, just before its global streaming debut.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For Genre Blending and Star Power

  • Fans of Genre Bending: Recommend to viewers who enjoy films that cleverly blend action, sci-fi, romance, and even horror elements, offering a unique cinematic experience.

  • Star Vehicle Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who want to see high-profile actors Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy showcase their chemistry and range in a dynamic setting.

  • Derrickson's Fans: A good choice for audiences familiar with Scott Derrickson's directorial style, especially his ability to craft atmospheric thrillers with a psychological edge.

  • High Production Value Streamers: For those looking for a visually impressive, big-budget original film available on a streaming platform.

Why to Watch Movie: To Experience an Unconventional Romance in the Face of the Apocalypse

  • Compelling Chemistry: Watch for the captivating on-screen chemistry and unique romance that develops between Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy.

  • Intriguing Mystery: Be drawn into the enigma of the gorge and the horrifying secrets it holds, as the film slowly unveils its cosmic horrors.

  • Visually Striking: Enjoy the beautiful and eerie cinematography, impressive creature designs, and the immersive soundscape created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

  • A Fresh Take on Action/Sci-Fi: If you're looking for something that attempts to defy simple genre categorization and offers a more character-driven approach to action and sci-fi.

Movie Trend: Streaming-First Blockbusters and Genre Hybridization

The Gorge aligns strongly with the trend of high-budget, star-driven films being released directly to streaming platforms by major players like Apple TV+ (often bypassing traditional theatrical windows). It also embodies the increasing trend of genre hybridization, where films consciously blend elements from disparate genres (sci-fi, action, romance, horror) to create unique viewing experiences and appeal to broader audiences.

Big Social Trend: Digital Isolation vs. Authentic Connection

The film subtly touches upon the social trend of digital isolation vs. the yearning for authentic human connection. While not explicitly about social media, the initial premise of two operatives forbidden to communicate in a remote setting mirrors a societal anxiety about disconnectedness, making their eventual bond a powerful counterpoint to modern isolation. It also reflects a broader fascination with survivalism and humanity's response to existential threats, even fantastical ones.

Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: An Ambitious, Visually Striking, and Imperfect Gem

The Gorge is an ambitious, visually striking, and at times imperfect, genre-bending film from Scott Derrickson. While its script received mixed reactions regarding its cohesion and pacing, its strong lead performances, captivating chemistry, atmospheric visuals, and unique premise create a memorable viewing experience. It leaves an impact as a bold attempt to weave romance into a high-stakes sci-fi thriller, proving that even in the face of unimaginable horror, human connection remains paramount.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Balance Genre Tones, Prioritize Character Chemistry: Lessons from "The Gorge"

  • Masterful Tonal Balance: Filmmakers should study The Gorge's attempt (and at times, struggle) to seamlessly blend disparate genres like romance, action, and horror. It underscores the importance of carefully managing tonal shifts to maintain narrative flow.

  • Invest in Lead Chemistry: The film's strongest asset is the chemistry between its leads. Filmmakers should recognize the immense value of casting actors who can create a believable and compelling on-screen bond, even when the script might be thin.

  • Utilize Visual Storytelling for Atmosphere: The film demonstrates how cinematography, score, and set design can effectively build atmosphere and tension, even when the core plot reveals might be less impactful.

  • Consider Information Pacing: The critique regarding early plot reveals suggests that filmmakers should carefully consider when and how to disclose crucial information to maintain mystery and engagement throughout the narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Embrace Genre Experimentation, Support Streamer Originals: Insights from This Production

  • Support Genre Experimentation: The industry should continue to greenlight and support films that boldly attempt to blend genres, as The Gorge does. Even if not universally acclaimed, such films push creative boundaries and can offer fresh perspectives.

  • Invest in Star-Driven Streaming Content: The success of The Gorge on Apple TV+ reinforces the model of investing significant budgets in high-concept, star-driven original films for streaming platforms, recognizing that this is a viable and profitable distribution avenue.

  • Value Director's Vision: Continue to trust and empower directors with a clear artistic vision, like Scott Derrickson, who consistently deliver unique cinematic experiences, even if they deviate from conventional storytelling.

  • Audience Data for Niche Appeals: Leverage streaming data to better understand audience appreciation for specific elements (e.g., romance, specific creature designs), informing future content creation for diverse tastes within a broader audience.

Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "The Gorge": A Flawed Yet Fascinating Genre Hybrid

The Gorge is a flawed yet fascinating genre hybrid that leverages its high-concept premise and stellar cast to deliver an engaging cinematic experience. While its narrative execution might be uneven at times, its unconventional romance, chilling atmosphere, and compelling action sequences make it a standout in the streaming landscape. It's a recommended watch for those seeking a unique blend of thrills, heart, and a touch of cosmic dread.


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