Elysium is an exciting, emotionally involving action-thriller.

Rating: 8/10 (26 August 2013)

Elysium is the most original science fiction film of this year. Writer/director Neill Blomkamp delivers a gritty and seemingly realistic vision of the future. In the year 2154 the very wealthy live on a luxurious space station called Elysium, and the poor live on an overpopulated, devastated Earth. I didn't find the setting very appealing but there's enough there for an entertaining action-thriller. Matt Damon doesn't play a typical hero. In fact, at times, I didn't feel compassion for him. This, I'm sure, was Damon's and Blomkamp's intention and by the end Max Da Costa goes through big changes. This approach is commendable but I didn't find it very interesting. Still, the ending is a triumph as Max redeems himself in a big way and manages to change the world. As a child Max gazes longingly at the picturesque space station above while dreaming of one day escaping Earth with his best friend Frey (Alice Braga). This impressive image works wonderfully in the emotionally-charged ending that will definitely make viewers think. In this way Elysium is structured similarly to Blomkamp's debut film District 9 (2009). Elysium isn't as big a triumph as District 9 but it comes very close. This time Blomkamp has a more experienced cast to work with. Jodie Foster provides a good performance as the power-hungry, cunning Jessica Delacourt. Sharlto Copley's C.M. Kruger is a rather frightening creation. Another name worth mentioning is Wagner Moura as Spider. Moura's performance turns the determined Spider into more than just a shady employer. At times he's even more sympathetic than Damon. The film's intense action sequences are aided by excellent CGI. Blomkap's talent for showing inventive weaponry and striking visuals is again present in Elysium. Moreover, just as in District 9, there's a good underlying political message. In this sharp disparity between wealthy and poor one man can make a difference. In conclusion, with Elysium Blomkamp delivers another innovative satisfying science fiction film that's well worth seeing. I definitely recommend it.