Scott Derrickson’s latest action thriller, The Gorge, promised an exciting blend of romance, sci-fi, and high-stakes action. Starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as elite snipers assigned to protect a mysterious chasm, the film sets up a compelling mystery: what exactly lies within the Gorge? As the two mercenaries break protocol and communicate, they uncover shocking truths that challenge their mission and their loyalties. The premise held the potential for a gripping and intense narrative, but the film ultimately struggles to deliver on its promise.
While The Gorge has received a mixed-to-positive reception—boasting a 64% critics score and 77% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—many viewers found themselves divided. The chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy is a highlight, adding emotional weight to the film, and the action sequences maintain an engaging pace. However, where Derrickson excels in character dynamics and visual spectacle, the story’s execution falters. What could have been a dark, thrilling exploration of the unknown turns into a more formulaic sci-fi flick that leans too heavily on romance.
One of the film’s biggest missteps is its handling of the Gorge itself. Early on, the mystery builds intrigue, with hints that the chasm could be a gateway to something terrifying, even hellish. However, the big reveal—that the Gorge houses strange, plant-like creatures—feels underwhelming and uninspired. Instead of capitalizing on its eerie setup, The Gorge becomes another “science experiment gone wrong” narrative, undermining its initial sense of dread. The film’s tone wavers, unsure if it wants to be a love story, a horror film, or a full-throttle action piece, and as a result, it lands somewhere in between without fully excelling in any aspect.
Despite its shortcomings, The Gorge remains an entertaining watch for those who enjoy genre-blending films with strong performances. Derrickson’s direction, combined with Teller and Taylor-Joy’s undeniable star power, helps elevate the film above its weaker storytelling choices. While it may not fulfill its full potential, The Gorge offers enough spectacle and intrigue to make it a decent, if not exceptional, addition to the 2025 action-thriller lineup.
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