In a remote area of the Northern Hemisphere, a deep ravine is guarded by elite snipers. The gorge is shrouded in mystery, and those tasked with its protection are warned of its dangers. The combined military might of the world's most advanced nations wouldn't stand a chance if something were to escape. So, preventive measures have been put in place.

Levi, a former military shooter, is recruited by a mysterious agent to watch over the gorge. He is briefed on the dangers but not the specifics. He's got a lot of questions, but his predecessor, J. D. , a jovial army veteran, doesn't have many answers. J. D. is just excited to return to civilization after a year of isolation.

Directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Zach Dean, The Gorge follows Levi as he settles into his new life in this isolated region. Against the rules of his mission, Levi contacts his counterpart on the Eastern side of the valley. Drasa, a Lithuanian sniper, has been given similar instructions but seems less curious about the mission. She's more intrigued by Levi, his quiet demeanor, his impressive shots, and the poems he writes to calm his mind. Their friendship, initiated on Drasa’s birthday, blossoms into a sweet romance.

One of the most engaging parts of The Gorge is the way Levi and Drasa communicate. They use notes and long-distance binoculars to see each other's messages. This unique communication method adds a whimsical touch to their love story. They toast to each other, play chess, and practice shooting from a distance. The company helps Levi, who continues to be haunted by nightmares of his early kills.

The introduction of dialogue, however, presents new problems for The Gorge. After Drasa experiences a tough day, Levi tries to comfort her. He successfully finds a way to the other side, ending their long-distance relationship. There's an understandable awkwardness in their early physical encounter, but it doesn't lead to anything more natural. Instead, The Gorge and its central couple proceed stiffly.

The film's general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge. A terrified Drasa goes after him, and what they find in the cavernous abyss is unsettling. The world beneath them is a trap of mutated insects, noxious gases, and skeletal monsters. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ music adds to the eeriness of this disquieting atmosphere. Derrickson offers a handful of memorable shots and genuine jump scares, but the director's attempts to build dread in these moments come too late to have their intended impact. With so much of the film dedicated to establishing Levi and Drasa’s backstory and their romance, The Gorge is slow to get going on the action.

Once Levi and Drasa realize their recruitment is part of a greater conspiracy, the revelations are presented in clunky exposition that can be hard to follow. That’s a shame, because many of the ideas in The Gorge — about soldiers as pawns and the wide reach of the military — would have been good fodder for a nervy sci-fi. But when the film finally gets around to those ideas, our heroes have about as much time as we do patience.

Love in Isolation: A Sci-Fi Tale of Two Snipers

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