When a movie promises a mix of sci-fi, romance, horror, and action, it's a tall order to deliver on all fronts. But director Scott Derrickson managed to pull it off with The Gorge, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller as two elite operatives stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm. The film, which debuted exclusively on Apple TV in February 2025, has now cemented its place as one of the platform's most-watched titles ever.
Apple quickly announced that The Gorge had its biggest film launch in the service's history, surpassing all previous movie debuts. The movie also sparked a surge in international engagement for Apple TV, leading to immediate speculation about whether this self-contained story could evolve into a full-blown franchise. With its blend of genres and star power, it's no surprise that audiences have flocked to it.
A Plot That Keeps You Guessing
The story follows Levi Kane (Teller) and Drasa (Taylor-Joy), two highly trained operatives assigned to guard towers on opposite sides of a vast, classified gorge. Their mission: protect the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil lurking within. As they bond from a distance, they must stay vigilant against an unseen enemy. When the true cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed, they're forced to work together, testing both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret contained before it's too late.
The cast is rounded out by Sigourney Weaver as Bartholomew, Sope Dirisu as J.D., William Houston as Erikas, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Black Ops Commander, James Marlowe as Bradford Shaw, and Julianna Kurokawa as Air Force One. Each brings depth to this high-stakes world.
Audience Love vs. Critical Mixed Reviews
While critics were somewhat divided on Derrickson's genre mash-up, audiences embraced it wholeheartedly. The film holds a 63% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for the chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy, but some found the sci-fi mythology increasingly convoluted. However, the audience score tells a different story: a solid 77% Popcornmeter rating, indicating that viewers were thoroughly entertained.
Our own review noted that The Gorge is a ridiculous movie, but that's part of its charm. It mixes romance, sci-fi mystery, monster horror, and action thriller in a way that shouldn't work, yet it ends up being a pretty entertaining watch. The narrative starts as a strange love story between two snipers and then escalates into a louder, more chaotic fight for survival.
Why It's a Must-Watch
If you're a fan of Taylor-Joy's previous work, like her standout performance in Thoroughbreds, or Teller's action chops from Top Gun: Maverick, The Gorge is a must-see. It's also a great pick for those who enjoyed other Apple TV hits like The Martian, which found new life on the platform. And with September 2026 bringing a wave of new streaming content, including Apple TV's 'Last Seen', The Gorge remains a standout in the service's library.
Whether you're in the mood for a tense thriller, a quirky romance, or a monster-filled action ride, The Gorge delivers on all fronts. It's streaming now on Apple TV, and it's easy to see why it's become one of the platform's biggest hits.
