Apple TV+ streaming charts have seen notable changes recently, with Guy Ritchie’s Fountain of Youth replacing Scott Derrickson’s The Gorge at number one after several weeks. Echo Valley, a thriller starring Sydney Sweeney, briefly took the lead after its debut but soon dropped to third place behind The Gorge, while Fountain of Youth regained the top position. The $180 million Fountain of Youth remains the most-watched film on the platform, indicating strong viewer interest despite mixed critical response.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller Lead Genre-Bending Thriller The Gorge
The Gorge, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller as snipers positioned on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm, blends romance, action, and science fiction. Despite opening to mixed critical reviews, with a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film resonated more positively with audiences, who gave it a 75% score on the same platform. Critics noted,
Mixing multiple genres, The Gorge makes for a surprisingly endearing romance until its action-thriller obligations steer proceedings back onto a more predictable path.
—Critics’ consensus
Fountain of Youth’s International Scope and Polarized Reception
In contrast, Fountain of Youth, starring John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, and Domhnall Gleeson, unfolded as a globe-trotting action-adventure shot across various countries rather than on soundstages. However, the film received poor critical reviews, reflected in a 35% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviewers stated,
Despite its glossy production and some impressive set pieces, Fountain of Youth can’t overcome a derivative and uninspired story that fails to capture the creativity of the countless action-adventure flicks it cribs from.
—Critics’ consensus
Echo Valley’s Tense Family Drama Draws Mixed Opinions
Echo Valley features Julianne Moore as a mother whose estranged daughter, played by Sydney Sweeney, arrives unexpectedly with a corpse, forcing difficult decisions. Domhnall Gleeson appears here as well, portraying a villainous character. Critics have been lukewarm on the film, which holds a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus remarks,
Julianne Moore’s committed turn and the relatable premise of how far a parent will go for their child gives Echo Valley some high peaks, but soporific plotting sends it sloping back down to routine territory.
—Critics’ consensus
The Significance of Streaming Hits and Audience Preferences
The contrasting reception of these Apple TV+ originals highlights ongoing challenges in producing critically acclaimed direct-to-streaming films, despite attracting significant viewers. Anya Taylor-Joy sci-fi sleeper hit The Gorge’s success underlines audience appetite for genre hybrids that combine emotional engagement with thrilling narratives. Meanwhile, films like Fountain of Youth and Echo Valley demonstrate that star power and elaborate production do not always guarantee critical or commercial triumph.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anya Taylor-Joy a tomboy?
A. In November, the actress discussed her method for picking red carpet outfits with W magazine. She began by saying, “I was raised as a tomboy.”
