Scott Derrickson’s newest film,The Gorge, has climbed to the top of the streaming charts on Apple TV+ just a day after it was released on the service. The Apple original film, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy andMiles Teller, had an impressive debut and is a prime example of how Apple’s original programming manages to stay relevant and stand out in a crowded library on streaming services and countless original films and series. Released on February 15,The Gorgeattracted attention thanks to its two leads, well-known director, interesting premise, and blend of genres.
Set in a dystopian world,The Gorgefollows Levi (Teller) and Drasa (Taylor-Joy), two snipers who keep watch over a gorge separating their two watchtowers. Both are unsure of what exactly they are protecting their two nations from, as they soon grow closer despite the distance from each other. Eventually, their growing relationship causes the truth about the gorge to be revealed, setting off the romance film and turning it into a sci-fi action adventure. Featuring plenty of varying elements from different genres, such as sci-fi, drama, and romance, Derrickson is clearly having fun playing in this new world from a script written by Zach Dean.
Derrickson is best known for directing films such asSinisterandDoctor Strange, and most recently, the horror film The Black Phoneand a segment in the found-footage anthology horrorV/H/S/85. This newest film is an interesting departure from the genres and storytelling style he is most well known for, and it more than likely contributed to the film’s becoming such a streaming hit on Apple TV+.
‘The Gorge’ is Proof of the Large Investments Put Into Apple TV+
WithThe Gorge’s popularity on the streaming charts,Apple TV+has further cemented itself as a powerhouse in the streaming wars. While other services like Max, Hulu, and Paramount+ pump out just as much original content, Apple has set itself apart in the past few years with series likeTed Lasso, with its charming cast and a feel-good story, and more recently with films such as Steve McQueen’sBlitzor the latest season ofSeverance, whose marketing campaign and weekly release format has also generated plenty of interest in the second season.
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Apple TV+ is also the home to the 2022 Academy Awards Best Picture winnerCoda, reinforcing the streamer’s reputation for producing high-quality films. WhileThe Gorgehasn’t received as much positive reception as the previously mentioned films (currently having a 61% onRotten Tomatoes), it is still generally considered a well-made film whose experimentation with various genres makes it worth viewing the streaming service.
Only time will tell ifThe Gorgehas any staying power, as brand-new releases on streaming services usually don’t stay too long on the #1 spot in streaming charts, especially with the number of new releases that come out weekly. Nevertheless, Scott Derrickson’s latest film has proven popular with viewers. Fans can look forward to the director’s next film,The Black Phone 2, which Derrickson has said will be his next film after makingThe Gorge.
