It’s 2154 and Earth is grossly overpopulated. There’s not enough food, medical supplies or jobs to sustain the population and everyone lives in dire situations. Because of this, Elysium was built. Elysium is a space station for the wealthy. On Elysium, people live in luxury. Besides the beauty of Elysium, the most important thing it offers is state-of-the-art medical equipment, which instantly cures the Elysium residents of any and all diseases.
Those on Earth are always desperately seeking a way to get to Elysium. In fact, a group of mechanics has made it their job to get people to Elysium, but Elysium’s strict anti-immigration laws and ruthless Secretary of Homeland Security Delacourt Rhodes (Jodie Foster) make it nearly impossible.
In a terrible accident, Max (Matt Damon) has been exposed to a lethal dose of radiation and has five days to live. He becomes Earth’s only hope to reach Elysium. Max and others concoct a lavish plan which involves Max undergoing surgery to be fitted with a exoskeleton, attacking one of Elysium’s leaders, downloading critical information and dissolving the divide between the poor and the privileged.
From the first scene, there is no denying this is a Neill Blomkamp film. The depiction of Earth in “Elysium” strongly resembles the alien refugee camp in Blomkamp’s 2009 sci-fi film “District 9.” Actor Sharlot Copley, also of “District 9” plays a zealous killer named Kruger in “Elysium.” Copley’s role as Kruger is huge departure from his role as government operative turned alien in “District 9.” He’s almost unrecognizable as Kruger in “Elysium.” His powerful, animalistic demeanor is startling and is the most thrilling part of the movie.
“Elysium” is a decent sci-fi film but lacks depth. As a fan of “District 9” and Matt Damon, I expected more and needed more out of this film. The theme of poor versus rich is common, therefore, I needed more character development to truly root for Max and his team. Regarding Elysium, we only see glimpses of its residents and Jodi Foster shouting demands (in a strange French accent).
“Elysium” has some interesting imagery including a totally squalid Los Angeles and the intense exoskeletons that both Max and Kruger wear through most of the film. Unfortunately, cool gadgets and slums do not carry a movie, especially a sci-fi movie. This is what I would call a ‘Red Box Movie,’ meaning you should wait and rent it for a dollar, instead of seeing it in theatres.
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