Still, The Gorge can be fun if you unplug your brain. There’s action, unique visual enemies, and a mostly excellent cast, even when it feels by the numbers.
The Gorge is an action romance film that tries to balance and capture the yin and yang for Valentine’s Day. It’s a film that romantics and action lovers can enjoy. Or at least it tries to be. An issue lies with its dialogue and execution, especially with one character. It feels like an early-aughts flick with swelling music and catchy songs popping up at opportune moments. Still, The Gorge can be fun if you unplug your brain. There’s action, unique visual enemies, and a mostly excellent cast, even when it feels by the numbers.
Scott Derrickson (The Black Phone, Doctor Strange) directs the film from a screenplay by Zach Dean (The Tomorrow War, Fast X). It stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The Menu, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) as Drasa and Miles Teller (Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick) as Levi, two lethal operatives tasked with guarding opposite sides of the foggy chasm. Both have to remain there for a year. Their task is to ensure that what lies between them under the smoky clouds does not get out. But as time passes, love blooms, and danger builds.
The Gorge Has Plot-Driven Choices
Part of what drives a story is the decisions the characters make. It works when it, for better or worse, aligns with what audiences know about the characters. However, when it seems illogical, a disconnect occurs, leaving audiences bewildered and frustrated. Those choices come from the story’s need to move forward. It’s as annoying or comical as plot armor. Leaning into it gives audiences a comical, head-shaking series. But The Fast and Furious The Gorge ain’t.
If they’re highly skilled, there is no possible way they didn’t discern specific dangers before the audience. Plus, if you’re trying to escape a threat under you, why remain over it? Why not race left or right. The characters’ choices in The Gorge leave viewers flabbergasted as suspension of disbelief vanishes.
Acting Here and There When Dialogue Misses
Let’s start with the pros instead of the cons. Pro—Anya Taylor-Joy. Regardless of the movie’s quality, she always does a fantastic job. She sometimes even elevates a fledgling film, as is the case here. Anya Taylor-Joy portrays all the emotions from tormented, worried, and affectionate. She makes the movie watchable and something worth revisiting once in a while. Mid—Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) plays Bartholomew, who recruits Teller’s character, Levi. Her performance does not stand out one way or the other and feels too similar to her role in Cabin in the Woods. However, it’s Sigourney Weaver, and that’s all that needs to be said.
When the dialogue is lacking, actors need to turn up to turn out an engaging performance. Unfortunately, between the two leads, only Anya Taylor-Joy attempts to turn up. Miles Teller turns down to minimal levels, giving a deadpan, emotionless delivery through most of The Gorge. His performance isn’t all bad. However, he’s better when he’s not speaking. The most entertaining part of the film is the montage of them bonding despite the distance. He could not spin the shoddy dialogue to make it digestible for audiences, and it shows.
Worth Seeing. . .Barely
Still, regarding mediocre scripts, innate talent is a must to overcome the monotonous hurdle. Joy clears it, and Teller falters. The dialogue is not all bad, but when it is, it’s cringe. Scott Derrickson also makes the most of what’s possible. In addition, the idea and fantastical creatures in The Gorge bring tension and entertainment. It’s by no means an outstanding film. Plus, it’d have been preferable had they kept the creatures’ origins a mystery. It feels more like a movie belonging to the early aughts. Still, The Gorge has Anya Taylor-Joy, action, and a catchy soundtrack that might be enough to pull in viewers despite the weak script that becomes increasingly painful in the film’s latter half.
