Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star in Scott Derrickson’s unconventional thriller.
Introduced as deadly assassins from different parts of the world, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) have been newly stationed in tall sentinels on opposite sides of a deep gorge, where they are to spend the next year, watching to make sure that nothing escapes from the gorge below.
Both have been disciplined in the military style, yet both are also independent contractors, so it’s no surprise when they begin pushing against the constraints of their contracts and make contact with each other. And, let’s be honest: they are both stars, so of course they will make contact.
Credited to Zach Dean (Deadfall, 2012; The Tomorrow War, 2021), the original screenplay sets up a premise that is ripe for something more to happen than simply sparks to fly between two soldiers on opposite sides of a deep and mysterious gorge. Scott Derrickson directs ably, shifting easily from the coy yearnings of a long-distance relationship to the darker mysteries that are steadily revealed, leading to a number of nifty action set-pieces.
Galloping at a steady pace that always keeps the narrative in clear focus, The Gorge does not reinvent the wheel so much as it decorates it with thoughtful details. At heart, it has a B-picture chassis with A-picture production values, led by the persuasive performances by Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, who display a charming chemistry, reinforcing the truth that friendship between two people needs to be established first.
From there, it’s a pure joy ride, enhanced by clever touches and a supporting performance by Sigourney Weaver that is icing on the cake.
The film premieres globally Friday, February 14, exclusively on Apple TV+.
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