If you’re tired of the world of online dating, why not think about being stationed solo in a watchtower that overlooks an enigmatic chasm? Interestingly, this offbeat arrangement turns out to be remarkably successful in *The Gorge*. Director Scott Derrickson (*The Black Phone*) presents a sci-fi thriller that also serves as one of the most surprising meet-cutes in film history.

### An Extraordinary Love Tale in *The Gorge*

The movie features Anya Taylor-Joy (*Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*) and Miles Teller (*Spiderhead*) as two skilled operatives who establish a bond across the gorge. Yet, their developing romance isn’t their sole issue—dark unknown forces lurk in the abyss below. Charged with safeguarding the gorge’s mysteries, despite not having a complete understanding of them, the duo must manage both their evolving relationship and the threats that envelop them.

Although the sci-fi and mystery components of the film weave an intriguing enigma, a significant portion of its length is dedicated to a romance that oscillates from endearing to overly sentimental. At times, this concentration risks overshadowing the film’s more captivating elements.

### What Does *The Gorge* Entail?

The narrative kicks off with Levi (Teller), a U.S. veteran and top-notch sniper who is enlisted for a classified mission due to his absence of personal ties. His job? To operate a watchtower on the western brink of a fog-laden gorge for a year. His recruiter, portrayed by the underappreciated Sigourney Weaver, provides scant information, but Levi quickly discovers from his predecessor that the gorge has been monitored since the conclusion of World War II.

Both Eastern and Western factions have joined forces to observe the gorge, suggesting that the beings within—dubbed “the Hollow Men”—represent a considerable global peril. Nonetheless, communication between the rival watchtowers is strictly prohibited.

That doesn’t deter Drasa (Taylor-Joy), an exceptionally skilled Lithuanian sniper linked to the Russian government. On her birthday, she reaches out to Levi, and before long, the two start exchanging messages through binoculars and written signs. Their exchanges are lighthearted and charming, evoking comparisons to the iconic “To me, you are perfect” scene from *Love Actually* or Taylor Swift’s *You Belong With Me* music video. But does this whimsical romance suit the film’s ominous, high-stakes vibe?

### Does the Romance in *The Gorge* Succeed?

Though the notion of two isolated operatives finding comfort in one another is heartwarming, *The Gorge* doesn’t allocate enough time for their seclusion to genuinely resonate. This is particularly true for Drasa, whose character initially lacks complexity. While we catch glimpses of her family dynamics and what she stands to lose, these elements don’t carry substantial weight. Instead, Drasa’s character seems more like a spark for Levi’s growth rather than a fully developed individual.

Moreover, some of their romantic interactions feel incongruous given their backgrounds as elite operatives. Would highly-skilled snipers on a covert mission genuinely risk attracting attention by playing loud music or drumming on makeshift instruments—especially with the creatures they are monitoring drawn to noise?

That being said, certain elements of their relationship come across as more genuine. A conversation about their sniping distance milestones and a long-distance chess match (a clever nod to Taylor-Joy’s role in *The Queen’s Gambit*) strike an appropriate balance between fun and believability.

The romance shines brightest when it intersects with action. One notable scene arises when Drasa, mid-conversation, instantly transitions into combat mode upon spotting Hollow Men scaling the gorge’s western side. She promptly takes steps to safeguard Levi, who reciprocates the gesture. These instances of mutual survival and trust convey their bond more effectively than any of the film’s more trite romantic expressions.

### The Real Highlight of *The Gorge*

Fortunately, as the plot unfolds, the film leans more into action, and that’s where it truly excels.

The Hollow Men make an early showing, resembling a mix of zombies and the Green Knight from David Lowery’s *The Green Knight*. However, this early revelation does not lessen the film’s tension—if anything, it’s merely the beginning.

A dive into the gorge exposes a harrowing world filled with body horror and genetic aberrations, reminiscent of *Annihilation*’s surreal Area X. One particularly unforgettable scene features a grotesque, flesh-like tree, but the film holds plenty more chilling and disconcerting surprises ahead.

The latter part of *The Gorge* delivers a blend of exhilarating action and shocking reveals, culminating in several “hell yeah” moments. (You won’t believe how they escape the gorge!) Taylor-Joy and Teller are significantly more captivating in action than in romantic scenes, as their teamwork born from the instinct to survive strengthens their connection more effectively than their previous flirty exchanges.