The Gorge
The brief
Scott Derrickson trades his usual horror chops for a surprisingly tender sci-fi romance that builds genuine chemistry between Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy despite keeping them physically separated for most of the runtime. The film takes its time establishing their long-distance relationship through clever dialogue exchanges before shifting into more familiar monster movie territory in the final act. Teller brings unexpected vulnerability to his soldier role while Taylor-Joy commands every scene with her trademark intensity, making their connection feel earned when the action kicks in. Perfect for fans of "Arrival" or anyone who enjoyed the quieter character moments in "A Quiet Place" before the creatures showed up.
The verdict
If you have patience for slow-burn character development and enjoy sci-fi romances that prioritize emotional connection over spectacle, this is a rewarding watch that showcases Derrickson's range beyond horror. If you're expecting consistent monster action or get restless during lengthy dialogue-heavy sequences, you'll likely find the 128-minute runtime feels much longer than it needs to be.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect date movie for sci-fi couples
- ⚠️ Skip if you need constant action
Heads up
- Monster violence and creature attacks (moderate)
- Military combat sequences (brief)
- Intense survival situations (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Scott Derrickson
- Cast
- Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sigourney Weaver, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, William Houston, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, James Marlowe
Official synopsis
Two highly trained operatives grow close from a distance after being sent to guard opposite sides of a mysterious gorge. When an evil below emerges, they must work together to survive what lies within.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Substance (2024)
Both blend romance with body horror and supernatural threats.
Total runtime: 2h 08m + 2h 21m = 4h 29m
