‘THE GORGE’: Against All Odds, It Works
Best known for horror hits like ‘Sinister’ and ‘The Black Phone’, Scott Derrickson steps away from pure horror, leaning more into psychological suspense, science fiction, and slow-burn romance. Still, his horror roots are unmistakable: the quiet dread, the looming unknown, and that constant sense that something might be watching.
That atmosphere kicks in right away. ‘The Gorge’ wastes no time pulling you in. From the opening minutes, the tension is palpable: a mysterious no-fly zone, a remote outpost hidden from civilisation, and a gorge containing something so dangerous it required a secret pact between the East and West after WWII to keep it sealed. “The Hollow Men” is all we know about what’s inside, and that mystery makes for a strong, intriguing start.
The film’s world-building is subtle but effective. The two towers on either side of the gorge are positioned so that each side covers the other’s blind spot, protecting against whatever might crawl out from below, a setup that works both logistically and symbolically. Despite their national differences and the physical divide of the gorge itself, the two elite snipers (Anya Taylor-Joy for the East and Miles Teller for the West) fall into an unspoken rhythm, united by isolation and duty.
Most days, not much happens at the gorge. They carry out routine checks and report to their superiors once a month. But this stillness only heightens the suspense, while their quiet rapport becomes the emotional core of the film.
Miles Teller in ‘The Gorge’
Much of the story hinges on the slow-burn connection between Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Levi (Miles Teller). It could have easily fallen flat, but it works surprisingly well. Their chemistry feels natural, playful, and believable, built through brief interactions, notes exchanged via binoculars, silent games of chess, a playful nod to Taylor-Joy’s iconic role as a chess player in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, and drum solos that wink at Teller’s acclaimed performance as a drummer in ‘Whiplash’.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller in ‘The Gorge’
Sure, the romantic arc is predictable, and at times it overshadows the central mystery of the gorge, but it never derails the film’s overall momentum. The writing avoids melodrama, and the emotional moments feel grounded, making the inevitable crossing of the gorge all the more impactful.
What stands out most is how well Derrickson balances genres, blending science fiction, romance, and suspense without sacrificing the film’s original tone or pacing. While the “Hollow Men” mystery could have been explored more deeply, the film’s emotional core and eerie atmosphere are enough to keep you engaged. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s certainly worth the watch.