‘The Gorge’ delivers superb cinematography, lacks emotional punch
"The Gorge" is a movie about two snipers whose mission is to protect a mysterious gorge from monstrous creatures. However, the movie fails to live up to its romantic and action-packed look. Emma Lee | Contributing Illustrator
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New media is pushing genre boundaries. Think “Stranger Things,” with its mix of supernatural thrills, heartfelt characters and action. Despite roots in traditional horror or action movies, like “Sinister” and “Doctor Strange,” Scott Derrickson tries something new with his latest film, “The Gorge.”
“The Gorge” has all the elements of a dynamic, genre-blurring thriller — action, romance and a little suspense — but never rises above mediocrity. While the movie has solid visual craftsmanship and a committed cast, it struggles to balance between different elements that make it feel more like a mashup of tropes instead of an organic story.
Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are two elite soldiers assigned to guard a mysterious gorge. Their mission is to protect the gorge from creatures called “Hollow Men” that spawn from it.
Throughout the film, tension builds when Levi and Drasa are tasked with fighting both the threats of the gorge and their personal demons. As their relationship blossoms and tension builds, the film struggles to maintain the intent of its premise.
Levi and Drasa’s chemistry never quite sparks. The film tries to build an “opposites attract” dynamic, with Levi as the brooding, disciplined soldier and Drasa as the rebellious, music-blasting wildcard. Their interactions feel more like scripted banter than anything engaging.
While the film attempts to justify Levi and Drasa’s romance within the high-stakes setting, the relationship lacks emotional depth. It develops too quickly and follows character tropes rather than a natural development and progression.
Joe Zhao | Design Editor
And the overall pacing lacks. The first act drags, introducing backstory and character motivations that feel more like filler than necessary development. By the time the film picks up in the second half, it rushes through crucial plot points. This uneven pacing makes it hard to invest in the story, though it keeps you engaged with its action thrills.
Amplifying the action, “The Gorge” has superb cinematography. Derrickson and his team have a knack for creating a moody, immersive atmosphere that raises the tension throughout the film. The titular gorge isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, casting shadows over the action.
Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor’s score adds intensity to the cinematography. A combination of deep beats and sharp melodies create a constant sense of urgency, drawing viewers into the action-filled scenes. Where the story falters, the film’s technical elements still manage to make the movie immersive and engaging.
Derrickson directs with confidence, building tension effectively, especially in quieter moments where the threat of danger looms. But action scenes feel formulaic and fail to meet the film’s ambitious premise. They’re adequately staged, but never have the visceral punch or choreography to make them memorable.
“The Gorge” is passable as a mid-budget action thriller, but forgettable. It’s exciting enough to keep watching, but doesn’t go all in on the bold, genre-bending promise it hints at. Though it’ll likely appeal to viewers who enjoy thrillers, it doesn’t have the novelty or emotional resonance to be notable.
“The Gorge” could’ve been something more, but it ultimately fails to live up to its potential.
