The Gorge

"The Gorge": Is This Sci-Fi Romance Worth the Trek? Aussie Fans Weigh In

Hold onto your hats, Aussies! A new sci-fi action flick, "The Gorge," is about to hit our screens (well, Apple TV+ screens, that is) and the early buzz is…mixed, to say the least. Starring Hollywood heavyweights Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver, this genre-bending film promises a wild ride, but some critics are questioning whether the ride is worth the price of admission. Let's dive into what "The Gorge" is all about, what the critics are saying, and whether this is one to add to your weekend watch list.

What's "The Gorge" About? A Mysterious Premise Unveiled

Directed by Scott Derrickson, the man behind "Doctor Strange" and "The Black Phone," "The Gorge" throws us into a world where two highly-trained operatives, played by Teller and Taylor-Joy, find themselves on opposing sides of a mysterious geographical formation – you guessed it, a gorge. According to IMDb, after being sent to protect opposite sides of this gorge, the pair become close. But when an evil emerges, they must work together to survive. Sounds intriguing, right? Think "Romeo and Juliet" meets "Predator," with a dash of "Annihilation" thrown in for good measure.

The film, written by Zach Dean (known for "The Tomorrow War" and "Fast X"), is described as a science fiction horror action film. Set to premiere on Apple TV+ on February 14, 2025, it's already generating significant buzz, with a traffic volume of around 2000, based on early indicators.

The Good, The Bad, and The Gorge: Early Reviews are In

While the star power and the intriguing premise are certainly drawing attention, early reviews paint a somewhat complicated picture.

According to a review from AZCentral.com, "You'd think a movie with a legendary horror script starring Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver would be better than 'The Gorge'." Ouch. The review suggests that the film's "tepid romance kills the suspense and thrills."

Empire's review offers a slightly more optimistic take, describing "The Gorge" as a "genre-masher" where Teller and Taylor-Joy "battle monsters in a mysterious gorge."

These reviews highlight a central tension within the film: its attempt to blend romance, sci-fi, and horror. Whether it succeeds in this ambitious blend remains to be seen, but the early reactions suggest that the execution might not live up to the potential.

Context is Key: What Else is Shaping "The Gorge"?

Beyond the initial reviews, several factors contribute to the context surrounding "The Gorge."

• Apple TV+ Investment: As an Apple Original Film, "The Gorge" represents Apple's ongoing investment in original content to attract and retain subscribers. This means the film likely benefits from a significant budget and marketing push.
• Skydance Media Production: Skydance Media, known for producing blockbuster action films like the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, is also behind "The Gorge." This pedigree suggests a focus on high-octane action sequences and visual spectacle. The film is produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill and Sherryl Clark through Crooked Highway, and Adam Kolbrenner, Dean and Gregory Goodman.
• Director's Reputation: Scott Derrickson's previous work, including the critically acclaimed "Doctor Strange" and the horror hit "The Black Phone," sets a high bar for "The Gorge." His ability to blend genres and create suspenseful atmospheres is a key factor in the film's potential success.
• Genre Mashup Trend: "The Gorge" taps into a growing trend of genre-bending films that defy easy categorization. This willingness to experiment can lead to innovative and exciting cinema, but it also carries the risk of alienating audiences who prefer more traditional genre fare.

Drawing Parallels: Echoes of Other Films

Some early impressions suggest that "The Gorge" draws inspiration from other popular films. One review notes that it "borrows freely from the creepier and crawlier portions of King Kong, and from the shimmering unease of Annihilation." Others have drawn parallels to survival horror games, highlighting the potential for intense, visceral action sequences.

The New York Times describes the setting as "Somewhere the Baltics, an American and former Marine named Levi, played by a goateed Miles Teller, is assigned to guard a gorge. He's installed high up in a fancy watchtower that's equipped..."

Immediate Effects: Anticipation and Skepticism

The immediate effect of "The Gorge's" announcement and trailer release has been a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Fans of Teller, Taylor-Joy, and Weaver are eager to see them in action, while those familiar with Derrickson's work are curious to see his take on the sci-fi action genre.

However, the early reviews have tempered expectations somewhat, raising concerns about the film's pacing, plot coherence, and the effectiveness of its romantic subplot.

The Future Outlook: Will "The Gorge" Find Its Audience?

Looking ahead, the future of "The Gorge" depends on several factors:

• Word-of-Mouth: Positive word-of-mouth from viewers can overcome negative critical reviews. If audiences connect with the characters, the action, and the overall story, "The Gorge" could become a sleeper hit.
• Apple TV+ Promotion: A strong marketing campaign from Apple TV+ can help to raise awareness and drive viewership. Highlighting the film's star power, its unique genre blend, and its visually stunning effects could attract a wider audience.
• Audience Expectations: Ultimately, the success of "The Gorge" will depend on whether it meets audience expectations. If viewers are looking for a straightforward action film, they may be disappointed by the romantic elements. Conversely, if they are expecting a deep, philosophical sci-fi film, they may find the action sequences too distracting.
• The Australian Factor: Aussie audiences are known for their discerning taste and appreciation for quality filmmaking. If "The Gorge" can resonate with Australian viewers, it could find a loyal fanbase down under.

So, Should You Watch "The Gorge"?

The answer, as with any film, is subjective. If you're a fan of Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, or Sigourney Weaver, "The Gorge" is worth checking out for their performances alone. If you enjoy genre-bending films that take risks and push boundaries, you might find something to appreciate in its ambitious blend of sci-fi, action, and romance.

However, if you prefer more straightforward genre fare or are easily turned off by tepid romances, you might want to approach "The Gorge" with caution.

Ultimately, the best way to decide whether "The Gorge" is for you is to watch it and form your own opinion. After all, sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead to the most rewarding destinations. Just be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride.