Levi Kane, a former U.S. Marine Scout/Sniper, is recruited by Bartholomew, a representative of a private defense corporation called Darklake, to guard the west tower of a remote and top-secret gorge. Simultaneously, Drasa, a Lithuanian covert operative frequently employed by the Kremlin, is assigned to the east tower. Both are instructed to prevent any entities from emerging from the gorge, known to contain monstrous creatures referred to as “The Hollow Men.” Though highly trained and conditioned for solitary missions, Levi and Drasa soon find their assignments far more complicated than they initially expected.
Despite strict protocols prohibiting communication, Drasa initiates contact with Levi on her birthday through written signs, leading to a sharpshooting competition. Their interactions evolve as they play chess and create improvised drum sets, fostering a bond despite the physical distance. Over time, their relationship grows deeper, challenging their professional detachment. As months pass, their camaraderie turns into something stronger—an unspoken yet undeniable connection in the desolate and dangerous environment they share.
After six months, Levi attempts to visit Drasa by ziplining across the gorge. An unexpected mine detonation causes his cable to snap, forcing him to parachute into the gorge. Drasa, concerned for his safety, arms herself and descends after him. Within the gorge, they encounter cross-mutated plant and animal life, including the Hollow Men, who are revealed to be soldiers from past military expeditions. The deeper they venture, the more they realize that the horrors lurking below are not natural but the result of something far more sinister.
The duo discovers an abandoned World War II bioweapons research lab responsible for the mutations, maintained by Darklake to create super soldiers. They learn about “Straydog,” a fail-safe protocol designed to sterilize the site with a nuclear explosion. Using a Jeep’s winch, they ascend from the gorge, agreeing to separate for five days to ensure they are not infected by the mutagens. As they part ways, they recognize that the corporation that hired them has likely set a trap, and their survival is far from guaranteed.
During Levi’s radio check-in, Bartholomew orders him to eliminate Drasa to conceal Darklake’s operations. Aware of the corporation’s intentions, Drasa and Levi destroy the cloaking antennas, exposing the site and triggering the “Straydog” detonation. Bartholomew and her team perish in the explosion, while Drasa and Levi are separated during their escape. The blast eradicates the gorge and its dark secrets, leaving them scrambling to survive as they fight off the remnants of Darklake’s forces.
After completing a five-day self-quarantine, Drasa reaches France to rendezvous with Levi. Although he is delayed due to injuries, he eventually arrives, and they share a heartfelt reunion, symbolizing hope and resilience after their harrowing ordeal. Their bond, forged in fire and peril, now has the chance to thrive in a world beyond the horrors of the gorge.
