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Apple TV+ has reached a significant milestone with its new release, “The Gorge,” which has broken the record for the platform’s highest-grossing opening ever. Directed by Scott Derrickson and featuring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, “The Gorge” is a top-tier operative thriller involving two figures positioned on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm, tasked with guarding against some unknown threat lurking within. Releasing on February 14, 2025, “The Gorge” has attracted enthusiasts around the world, generating a high level of new Apple TV+ subscriptions.
While Apple did not provide definitive viewership numbers, the company does confirm that “The Gorge” beat all previous movie premieres on the platform, driving double-digit growth worldwide and adding new viewers by 80% compared to the previous weekend. The success is particularly impressive, as it topped the former record holder, “Wolfs,” a George Clooney and Brad Pitt movie that premiered over the fall of 2024.
Matt Dentler, head of Apple Original Films, was delighted with the film’s reception: “It’s been a thrill for all of us at Apple to see the unforgettably original and inventive world Scott has created with ‘The Gorge’ resonate in such an enormous way with audiences around the globe.” He also enjoyed the collaboration with Skydance and the on-screen chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy.
The plot of the movie is about two well-trained agents, acted by Teller and Taylor-Joy, who become close as they are stationed in watchtowers on both sides of a massive, top-secret gorge. Their romance develops as they battle the sinister evil that lies beneath. Supporting actors are Sigourney Weaver, enhancing the plot.
Mixed reviews have welcomed “The Gorge” by critics. The Guardian observed that while the film combines romance and horror with a strong premise, it later succumbs to traditional romance stereotypes, diluting its initial potential. The Financial Times trashed the film for abandoning its skinny premise, terming it to dive into a cluster of special effects common in cheap horror. In contrast, SLUG Magazine described the film as "thrillingly diverting popcorn entertainment” embracing its B-movie status, with a somewhat unlikely but effective romance bringing it charm.
Despite the divided critical reception, “The Gorge” has certainly found resonance with viewers, as evidenced by its Apple TV+ record-breaking success. The fact that the movie succeeded indicates the new trend in which big-name directors and stars are utilizing streaming services to reach global audiences. As Apple TV+ continues to expand its slate of original programming, the success of “The Gorge” may lay the groundwork for larger productions down the line.
