Apple TV+ Has Finally Released the Gorge: Is the Anya Taylor-Joy Movie Worth Watching?
A sincere story that mixes a lot of different genres.
Apple TV+'s new project, The Gorge, offers an idealistic view of cooperation between the West and the East, while reminding us of the saving power of love.
The film's director, Scott Derrickson, is not afraid to experiment and is nostalgic for the days of creative freedom unfettered by budget.
What Is The Gorge About?
American sniper Levi suffers from PTSD, depression and other side effects of long-term service. The man accepts an offer from a high-ranking official to become the guardian of the mysterious Gorge.
The location is known only to a few: for the next year, Levi must check the defensive structures near the Gorge and report the situation to his superiors by radio. One important rule – communication with the guard in the tower on the other side of the canyon is strictly forbidden.
Levi's colleague is the Lithuanian Drasa, a mercenary who recently lost her father. Out of loneliness, the two guards make contact and soon encounter real evil hidden within the Gorge.
The Gorge Is Good Both at Romantic and Horror Storylines
Apple did its best to keep the plot as secret as possible, even emphasizing the romantic line in the trailer. The marketing campaign seems to have worked: The Gorge is a product that is somewhat chaotic, but surprisingly sincere.
Despite its ambition, the movie is often stereotypical. Director Scott Derrickson is generous with predictable twists – he suggests taking a blue pill on Valentine's Day and forgetting about the real world, especially in times of total chaos.
About halfway through,Drasa and Levi will personally experience the full horror of the mission and end up in the mouth of the Gorge itself. Without giving away any spoilers, it is worth mentioning the high-quality design of the area and its creepy inhabitants.
Derrickson was clearly inspired by Sleepy Hollow, Resident Evil and even Love Actually. Sci-fi, conspiracy thrillers and even westerns will also join the conversational melodrama and horror.
The Gorge Is a Sincere Work with Brilliant Leads
The Gorge relies heavily on its leads: Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy have developed a palpable onscreen chemistry that is now almost forgotten.
Despite his military career, Levi has always dreamed of becoming a poet, even joining a club in college. His pessimism disappears with the appearance of Drasa, renewing his interest in creativity. He even composes a poem for her – She Collapsed the Night.
Naive? More than that, but The Gorge is much more interested in getting an emotional reaction from the viewers – and it succeeds.