This sci-fi thriller from Neill Blomkamp stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Alice Braga, and Wagner Moura. In 2154, the Earth has become a vast wasteland. The wealthy now live in a space station called Elysium, while the less fortunate are left in the remains of a planet whose destruction was brought about by human activity. Max de Costa (Damon) is a humble factory worker on Earth who, after being exposed to a lethal dose of radiation, has five days to get himself to Elysium, where state-of-the-art machines cure any disease. This means taking on a dangerous mission that will change the destinies of Earth and Elysium -- but not if the latter's Secretary of Defense, Delacourt (Foster), can help it. The film's premise is gripping, and the potential for moral messages (be environmentally responsible, close the gap between the rich and the poor) are abundant. But this film is so poorly executed. The writing is stiff and slow, the direction isn't sharp, and the pace is muddy when is should be tense. The film ends up coming off in a silly, self-indulgent way, when it could have made a real impact, not only in the genre of sci-fi but also in the consciences of the audiences. In all, Elysium is a big disappointment.
Should you see it: No
Grade: C-
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