The Gorge (Apple TV+, January 2026) is one of the most talked-about original action-thrillers of the year so far. Directed by Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, Sinister), starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller as two elite snipers guarding opposite sides of a mysterious, deadly gorge, the film blends high-concept sci-fi, intense action, and psychological horror in a way very few movies have attempted before.
Is it really 2026’s most unique action-thriller? Let’s break it down in detail – plot, performances, visuals, strengths, weaknesses, and final verdict.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free First Half)
Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Levi (Miles Teller) are elite operatives from rival organizations. They are stationed on opposite cliffs of “The Gorge” – a massive, uncharted canyon that no one is allowed to cross or even look into too deeply.
Their only job: shoot anything (or anyone) that tries to climb out.
For months they never speak. They just watch each other through scopes, following strict no-contact rules. But when strange creatures and impossible events begin emerging from the depths, the two snipers are forced to break protocol, communicate, and eventually work together to stop a catastrophic threat from escaping.
The film is essentially a two-hander for the first two acts – long-distance tension, sniper duels, and slow-burn mystery – before exploding into full-on action in the third act.
Performances – Taylor-Joy & Teller Carry the Film
Anya Taylor-Joy delivers one of her strongest performances yet. Drasa is cold, precise, haunted, and deeply lonely – Taylor-Joy sells every emotion with just her eyes through the scope. Her chemistry with Miles Teller feels real even when they’re hundreds of meters apart.
Miles Teller brings vulnerability and quiet intensity. Levi starts as the “by-the-book” soldier but slowly cracks under the weight of what’s happening. Their voice-only interactions (radio comms) are electric – every line feels loaded.
Supporting cast includes Sigourney Weaver as the shadowy commander and William Catlett in a key military role.
Visuals & Direction – Scott Derrickson at His Best
The Gorge looks stunning:
- Shot on location in Iceland and Scotland – real cliffs, real fog, real scale
- Cinematography by Adam Bosman is crisp and claustrophobic even in wide shots
- The gorge itself feels alive – mist, shadows, strange lights from below
- Action sequences are brutal and grounded – no over-the-top CGI, just practical stunts and clever editing
Derrickson’s horror roots shine in the creature reveals – they’re grotesque, fast, and genuinely unsettling.
Strengths That Make It Unique
- Original concept: Two snipers who can’t meet but must save the world together
- Slow-burn tension: First half is almost dialogue-free – pure visual storytelling
- Emotional core: Loneliness, duty, trust – it’s more than just action
- Creature design: The things coming out of the gorge are nightmare fuel
- Score by Jed Kurzel: haunting, pulsing, elevates every scene
Weaknesses & Criticisms
- Pacing in Act 3: Once they leave the cliffs, momentum dips slightly
- Some clichés: “forbidden zone” trope, last-minute twist feels familiar
- Runtime: 118 minutes; could have trimmed 10 minutes from the middle
- Limited world-building: We never fully understand what’s in the gorge (intentional mystery or missed opportunity?)
Is It 2026’s Most Unique Action-Thriller?
Yes – with some caveats.
The Gorge is unlike almost any action movie released recently. It spends half its runtime building dread through silence, distance, and anticipation rather than explosions. When the action finally erupts, it feels earned and terrifying.
It’s not perfect – the third act loses a little focus – but the concept, performances, and atmosphere make it stand out in a sea of generic blockbusters.
Rating: 8.2/10 Highly recommended for fans of contained thrillers, horror-tinged action, and strong lead chemistry. One of Apple TV+’s best originals of 2026 so far.
Have you watched The Gorge yet? What did you think of the gorge itself? Comment below!