Apple TV’s latest original film, The Gorge, released on February 14, brings a fresh take on the sci-fi genre, blending it with romance. While the movie has garnered a fair share of positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, it ultimately falls short of delivering a mind-blowing sci-fi experience. Instead, it offers an easy-to-watch, though flawed, blend of futuristic action and romance.
The film follows two highly skilled agents, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), assigned to protect two towers positioned on opposite sides of The Gorge, a secretive and dangerous crater filled with unknown perils. Though forbidden to communicate, the two agents form a bond across the vast expanse, eventually falling in love. When unforeseen events thrust them into mortal danger, they must rely on one another to survive.
At its core, The Gorge is a well-made film that can keep audiences engaged, though it lacks the sophistication that typically defines high-quality sci-fi cinema. A clear comparison that comes to mind is a budget-friendly version of The Last of Us, with the added complexity of a romantic storyline.
The challenge of merging sci-fi and romance is apparent in this film. The inherent contrast between the grim and serious nature of sci-fi and the often lighthearted tone of romance makes it difficult to strike a balance. This tonal clash is evident in The Gorge, where the first half focuses heavily on the romance, sidelining the sci-fi elements. As the plot shifts toward sci-fi action in the latter half, the narrative feels disjointed, with underdeveloped world-building and unconvincing lore.
In terms of its sci-fi appeal, the movie falters in offering a believable universe. The film attempts to root its fictional elements in reality, but its execution falls short. The explanation of the film’s central mystery lacks clarity, and the creature designs—specifically the malevolent beings revealed later in the story—feel overly fantastical, diminishing the potential for suspense and terror. In comparison to the grounded horror of The Last of Us’ “infected,” the creatures in The Gorge feel less frightening and more detached from reality.
Action sequences, too, miss the mark. While the film includes a few jump scares, the overall pacing and lack of intensity leave the action feeling lackluster. The final showdown, in particular, fails to generate the level of excitement one might expect from a sci-fi thriller, making the genre elements forgettable.
The romance between Levi and Drasa, which occupies much of the film’s early runtime, also struggles with pacing. While their relationship starts off promisingly with an endearing connection, it quickly escalates to an implausible level of intensity, with characters professing deep love after just a short interaction. This rushed development undermines the emotional weight of their bond. Additionally, Drasa’s character feels somewhat sidelined, primarily existing as a love interest rather than a fully fleshed-out individual with her own motivations and arcs.
Despite the film’s flaws, the performances of Teller and Taylor-Joy offer some redemption. Both actors bring depth to their characters, though the weak writing limits their potential. Levi, in particular, is supposed to be a poetic genius, yet the script often fails to do justice to his supposed brilliance.
On a more positive note, the cinematography in The Gorge stands out. The film features some striking and inventive shots that elevate its visual appeal, along with a well-crafted score that enhances the emotional experience and creates compelling moments throughout.
While The Gorge might not meet the expectations of die-hard sci-fi fans, it still provides an enjoyable, lighthearted viewing experience for those seeking a mix of adventure and romance. The film had significant potential but is ultimately hindered by uneven pacing and underdeveloped narrative elements. Still, for a casual sci-fi audience, it remains a worthwhile choice.
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