The Gorge

Monsters, Romance, and a Gorge – What More Could You Want?

Dive into the thrilling pits of agony and love in 'The Gorge'! Will the chemistry of Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy save this wild ride from disaster?

Scott Derrickson’s new film, "The Gorge," has dropped on Apple TV+ and it's stirring up quite the conversation. Starring the ever-charismatic Miles Teller and the enigmatic Anya Taylor-Joy as expert snipers, this action-packed yet strangely romantic flick throws them into the chaos of guarding the world from nightmarish creatures lurking within the dark abyss of a gorge. Who knew flirting while fighting monsters could lead to such an interestingly awkward romance? With visual effects that would make even Sigourney Weaver proud, this film promises more absurdity than actual horror thrills.

Despite its clear ambition, "The Gorge" seems to suffer from a classic case of style over substance. Critics are quick to point out that the romance subplot often stifles the suspense intended by a monster-hunting narrative. Miles and Anya’s on-screen chemistry is palpable, but viewers hoping for a riveting plot may find themselves yawning amidst the action sequences that border on tedious. The script falls flat occasionally, but it has enough pizzazz to keep audiences mildly entertained if not completely shocked or awed.

In good ol’ Kiwi fashion, the film bears a strong connection to our own Waioeka Gorge, where a real-life drama unfolded recently with delays on State Highway 2 due to impending bad weather. Spoiler alert: no monsters were reported in either the film or the gorge! Just like how moviegoers are grappling with imperfect plot twists, the actual gorge is facing closures, but thankfully with a slight delay. This brings up the element of unpredictability that both the film and New Zealand weather seem to share.

So, if you fancy a blend of horror and awkward romance coupled with some snazzy action, "The Gorge" might just tickle your fancy. While it may not earn an Academy Award for Best Picture, it does shine a light on what happens when risqué situations meet mysterious creatures and a tender touch. And speaking of tender touch, don’t forget other gems featuring these two stars, like 'Compartment No 6', where their charm continuously finds a way to captivate audiences beyond the thrill of monsters. Everything about monsters, whether in film or reality, continues to keep us guessing – be it in a gorge or just a place of construction work!