Elysium: Review

In the late 21st century, the world has fallen to immense population growth and Earth remains as a giant, over-crowded slum, inhabited by the poor majority of the world. The rich, however, travel to an intergalactic utopia known as 'Elysium', where any illness can be cured and any injury fixed, almost resembling some sort of futuristic garden of Eden. The film focuses on the character of Max (Matt Damon), who lives on this ruined Earth, stuck in poverty due to his violent past, and working a job he resents. Following an accident at the factory in which he works, Max is given few days to live before he dies of radiation poisoning. He is given a chance to extend his life and travel to the idealistic Elysium by a man known as Spider (Wagner Moura), a chance which Max isn't really in a position to turn down. 

Max (Matt Damon)

The thing that really stuck out for me about Elysium is how good it looks. The futuristic CGI slums look incredibly real and gritty, and all of the sci-fi technology used in the movie, including the various robots and Elysium itself, is pretty spectacular to behold. The movie also makes great use of slow-motion; not using it too much but instead only using it when it really adds to the action. The fact that the film looks very good is no surprise really, seeing as it was directed by Neill Blomkamp who is also responsible for the similar futuristic sci-fi movie District 9, which is similarly well-imagined. 

By far the highlight of Elysium though is the character of Kruger, a mentally disturbed assassin played by the talented Sharlto Copley who also featured as the main protagonist in Blomkamp's District 9. South African and incredibly violent, Copley somehow manages to present Kruger as a complete psychopath who is very difficult to hate, due to how ridiculously exaggerated he is. A small complaint I'd have was that if anything, the character of Kruger wasn't included in Elysium enough, as he is easily the most fun to watch, despite clearly being a leading antagonist. 

Kruger (Sharlto Copley)

My only major complaint with Elysium is that there were a few scenes which slowed the movie down to a pace which definitely wasn't as enjoyable as the majority of the film. Scenes which revolved around Max's relationship with love-interest Frey (Alice Braga) in particular were a little dull to watch, but as they were very necessary to the story this is forgiveable. 

Verdict

Elysium is a very fun movie to watch. The pristine quality of the special effects make it a joy just to sit back and take it all in, and luckily these effects are accompanied by an interesting story which, although slightly predictable, is unique and really draws you in. 

8.5/10

"I promise we'll get us to Elysium"