What’s It About
Two highly-trained operatives are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from a mysterious evil that lurks within. They work together to keep the secret in the gorge.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy light up the screen in this unique blend of romance, horror, and action. While the movie starts a bit slowly and rushes through its ending, the middle section truly shines as these talented actors build an unlikely connection across a mysterious chasm. It’s the kind of film that shouldn’t work on paper – mixing genres is always tricky – but for some reason, it manages to pull it together nicely, largely thanks to its charismatic leads and commitment to its wild premise. The setup is simple but intriguing: Two snipers guard opposite sides of a massive hole in the ground somewhere in Eastern Europe. Teller plays Levi, a former Marine, watching from the west side. Across the gap is Drasa (Taylor-Joy), a Lithuanian sharpshooter stationed on the east. Neither knows exactly what they’re protecting the world from, though hints suggest it might be a gateway to something sinister below. Their shadowy clients – a civilian security firm rather than any governmental agency – leave details scarce, fueling the mystery. The movie skillfully plays on this uncertainty, inviting imaginations to run wild as to what might be hiding deep down. Their assignment seems straightforward enough: spend a year keeping whatever is in the pit from getting out. They’re intended to stay isolated, only seeing their managers on a monthly basis. It’s a profound loneliness – both characters are isolated in their respective towers with only their thoughts and the occasional howl from whatever is down below. But human beings need social interaction, and soon they’re exchanging messages back and forth with one another using whiteboards. What starts out as straightforward signs develops into genuine chemistry that jumps off the screen. As opposed to some cringe dialogue and some awful special effects, their love is genuine and keeps you invested in their lives. It is engaging to observe how they develop such a strong relationship even when physical distances are in between them. The Gorge does an excellent job of building tension on multiple fronts. There’s also the romantic angst as Levi and Drasa work through how they’re going to make a leap across the void between them, literally and spiritually. And, of course, there’s always the fear that anything could leap out of the gorge at any moment. The gloomy, misty surroundings foster an ambiance of constant dread, so that even the peace is charged with threat. When the action gets going, it delivers some thrilling set pieces – notably a wild jeep chase that’s directly out of a video game. The “hollow men” – zombie creatures with moss over them that they’re fending off – actually are scary, and their arrivals are well-timed. Teller lends his part a throwback action hero vibe by having Levi be a brooding fighter who quotes poetry between resupplying his firearms. It’s a nice twist on the stereotypical military personality, where one can be both hard and soft.Taylor-Joy continues to prove she’s one of today’s most captivating actors, bringing depth and nuance to what could have been a one-dimensional role. Her Drasa is both deadly and tender, professional and playful. When they finally find a way to bridge the gap between them (involving a creative use of grappling hooks), their scenes together have real spark. It’s refreshing to watch a romantic film that is hot and honest rather than merely ticking boxes for a formula. The world-building, while imperfect, gives a compelling context for the story. The isolation of the towers, the mysterious position of their employers, and the hints at what the gorge might represent all add richness to the story. There’s a subtle commentary about private military contractors and unchecked power, though the movie wisely doesn’t let this overshadow the main story. The setting feels both timeless and timely, mixing Cold War vibes with modern concerns about shadowy organizations operating outside government oversight. The movie’s weaknesses are pretty clear: The CGI often looks cheap, especially when the story moves beyond the observation towers. Some of the effects work takes you out of the moment, particularly in scenes involving the gorge itself. The shadowy organization behind it all (including a brief appearance by Sigourney Weaver) feels underdeveloped, raising more questions than it answers. And yes, some plot points stretch believability pretty thin, particularly in the final act when the action ramps up significantly. But here’s the thing – it’s still a blast to watch. Sometimes, a movie can have obvious flaws and still be thoroughly entertaining. The pacing keeps things moving even when the logic doesn’t quite add up, and the central relationship gives emotional weight to what could have been just another monster movie. While it won’t be winning any major awards, it’s exactly the kind of fun, creative mix of genres that’s perfect for a night in. The combination of creepy monsters, forbidden romance, and action sequences keeps you engaged throughout. There’s something refreshingly unpretentious about how the movie approaches its material. It doesn’t try to be more than it is, but it also doesn’t talk down to its audience. The film takes its central relationship seriously while having fun with its horror and action elements. Sure, you could nitpick the scientific impossibilities or question why a mysterious chasm isn’t showing up on Google Maps. But that would miss the point. This movie knows exactly what it wants to be: an entertaining ride that lets two charismatic actors play off each other while fighting tree zombies. If you can embrace its B-movie charm and focus on the genuine chemistry between the leads, you’re in for a good time.
OUR RATING – A GUILTY PLEASURE 7