Elysium: Review

2154, and the Earth is in ruins brought on by over-population, pollution and disease. The wealthy have escaped this scourge, and live on a utopian space station, Elysium with strict anti-immigration laws to preserve their lifestyle.

Matt Damon (left) and Sharlto Copley in Columbia Pictures' ELYSIUM.
Matt Damon (left) and Sharlto Copley

Factory-worker and ex-con Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) receives a high dose of radiation in an industrial accident, and now has only days in which to get from the third world ruins of Los Angeles to Elysium in which to receive the medical treatment that will save his life. This he hopes to attain by kidnapping rich businessman John Carlyle (William Fichtner).

Max’s journey pits him against Elysium’s Secretary of Homeland Security Delacourt Rhodes (Jodie Foster) and her violent secret police forces, led by Agent Kruger (Sharlto Copley).

Matt Damon’s performance has the audience routing for him right from the start, and things get interesting when Sharlto Copley appears on the scene.

Matt Damon and Brandon Auret.
Matt Damon and Brandon Auret.

The filmmakers have given plenty of nods back to their South African roots (keep a look for the South African flag), and Kruger’s dialogue provides a bit of comic relief, balancing his evil demeanour. Kruger’s team feel like the ‘naughty boys’, set free and left to their own devices. Fellow South African Brandon Auret plays Drake.

The fight sequences on Earth are realistic, and keep to Neill Blomkamp’s signature of future weapons and vehicles fighting in urban ruins.

Elysium, a view to our possible future, with a plot that will keep you guessing.

Elysium star Sharlto Copley with Tanit Phoenix at the Elysium Sydney premier (image courtesy Tanit Phoenix)
Elysium star Sharlto Copley with Tanit Phoenix at the Elysium Sydney premier (image courtesy Tanit Phoenix)

View some space station concepts from NASA.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb

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