Elevation movie review & film summary (2024) - Movie16

 

"Elevation" Review: A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Adventure

George Nolfi’s post-apocalyptic creature feature Elevation offers a gripping yet familiar cinematic experience. While it brings to mind other notable films in the genre, this is not a slight against it. Nolfi avoids the common pitfall of overcomplicating the narrative. Instead, he delivers a streamlined story about survival and resilience, centered around humans battling formidable monsters. The film’s strength lies in its efficient world-building, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and subtle yet impactful thematic elements that ground its otherwise straightforward characters.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Elevation showcases a world ravaged by terrifying creatures known as "reapers." These monsters emerged from the ground three years earlier, wiping out 95% of the global population. Intriguingly, the reapers avoid altitudes above 8,000 feet, providing a safe haven for those in mountainous regions. This premise sets the stage for an exploration of survival, sacrifice, and hope amidst adversity.

At the heart of the story is Will (Anthony Mackie), a resilient father who has managed to carve out a life in the mountains with his son, Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.). Their relative peace is constantly threatened, not only by the looming presence of the reapers but also by Hunter’s health issues, which make breathing difficult at high altitudes. Determined to find the resources necessary to save his son, Will ventures below the safety zone. He is joined by Nina (Morena Baccarin), a physicist researching a way to eliminate the reapers, and Katie (Maddie Hasson), a close family friend.

A Journey of Survival

The narrative structure of Elevation takes on the feel of a high-stakes adventure game. The trio embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve essential supplies, facing life-threatening encounters with the reapers at every turn. While the storyline offers few surprises, the execution keeps viewers engaged. Will's assertion that the path ahead will be relatively safe quickly proves false, as the group navigates one dangerous scenario after another.

The reapers themselves are a chilling presence, their design evoking comparisons to creatures from films like Edge of Tomorrow and The Tomorrow War. Though not entirely original, their menace feels real and immediate, amplified by the film's expertly crafted tension.

Stunning Visuals and Direction

What truly sets Elevation apart is the stunning cinematography by Shelly Johnson. The Colorado landscape is depicted with a warmth that contrasts sharply with the looming threat of the reapers. Sweeping drone shots capture the group’s desperate attempts to flee, highlighting the vastness of their environment and the terrifying vulnerability of their situation. This visual style is reminiscent of the dynamic camerawork in Michael Bay's Ambulance, though Elevation opts for a slightly more restrained approach.

The juxtaposition of the natural beauty of the Rockies with the grim realities of survival creates a striking visual narrative. Even in the midst of chaos, there’s an appreciation for the world that humanity is fighting to preserve.

Strong Performances, Uneven Depth

The performances in Elevation are solid across the board. Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin bring depth to their characters, shaped by past trauma and the relentless challenges of their current reality. Their subdued delivery of the film’s exposition feels fitting given their circumstances.

However, it’s Maddie Hasson who shines brightest. As Katie, she injects the film with a rebellious energy and an unyielding optimism that humanity can rise above its plight. Her character’s hidden grief and determination add emotional weight to the story, even as she is occasionally burdened by overly expository monologues. A particularly poignant moment occurs when Katie shares her backstory, offering a glimpse into the personal losses that fuel her resilience.

Themes of Hope and Humanity

Beyond the action and suspense, Elevation explores deeper themes of survival versus truly living. Hunter’s youthful curiosity and desire to experience the world beyond their isolated refuge serve as a poignant reminder of what it means to be human. His defiance of safety protocols to take in the beauty of nature speaks to a yearning for connection and normalcy.

Katie and Hunter represent a generation unwilling to accept mere survival as enough. They fight not just for physical safety but for the preservation of hope and beauty in a broken world. Their journey is as much about protecting their spirit as it is about overcoming external threats.

Conclusion

While Elevation doesn’t revolutionize the post-apocalyptic genre, it successfully delivers a thrilling and visually captivating experience. Clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes, the film avoids unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on its core strengths: dynamic action, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt exploration of humanity’s resilience.

For viewers seeking an engaging escape, Elevation offers a compelling blend of tension, emotion, and spectacle. Though it borrows elements from its predecessors, it carves out its own niche as a well-executed and thought-provoking addition to the genre. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the fight for a meaningful existence is a battle worth waging.

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