Elevation (2024) – A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Elevation is a 2024 American post-apocalyptic action thriller directed by George Nolfi, with a screenplay by Kenny Ryan and Jacob Roman. The film stars Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, and Maddie Hasson. Elevation was released in the United States on November 8, 2024.

Plot Summary

Three years before the events of the film, mysterious predatory creatures called “Reapers” emerged from underground sinkholes and wiped out most of humanity, killing 95% of the population within the first month. The remaining survivors sought refuge at altitudes above 8,000 feet (approximately 2,439 meters) since the creatures could not function at such heights.

In the Lost Gulch refugee settlement in the Front Range, Colorado, Will (Anthony Mackie), a single father, lives with his son Hunter, who suffers from a lung disease. Will is haunted by the death of his wife, Tara, who perished during an expedition with scientist Nina (Morena Baccarin) to find the Reapers’ weaknesses.

As Hunter’s oxygen filter supply runs dangerously low, Will persuades Nina to accompany him to Boulder, Colorado, to search for medical supplies and uncover a way to defeat the Reapers. Their perilous journey takes them into the lowlands, where they must battle deadly threats and uncover the true nature of these creatures.

Main Cast

• Anthony Mackie as Will – A determined single father fighting to protect his son in a dangerous world.
• Morena Baccarin as Nina – A brilliant and resilient scientist searching for a way to eliminate the Reapers.
• Maddie Hasson as Katie – A courageous companion who joins Will and Nina on their perilous mission.
• Danny Boyd Jr. as Hunter – Will’s son, who suffers from a lung condition and serves as his father’s primary motivation.

Production

Principal photography for Elevation began in November 2022 in Colorado and concluded in late March 2023. The mountainous landscapes of Colorado played a crucial role in establishing the film’s atmosphere of tension and isolation. In May 2024, Vertical Entertainment acquired the distribution rights for the film.

Release and Box Office Performance

Elevation was released in the United States on November 8, 2024. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $1.2 million from 1,416 theaters, ranking 11th at the box office. Its total worldwide revenue reached $3.6 million, against a production budget of $18 million.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Zachary Lee from RogerEbert.com gave the film a 2.5/4-star rating, stating that while Elevation does not break free from genre conventions, it still delivers an engaging 90-minute experience.

The Guardian described the film as a post-apocalyptic thriller filled with tense action sequences but criticized it for lacking originality and deep character development. While Anthony Mackie’s performance was seen as miscast for this genre, Morena Baccarin was praised for bringing some emotional depth to her role.

Themes and Influence

Elevation explores themes of survival in extreme conditions, similar to films like A Quiet Place and War of the Worlds. The film focuses on family bonds, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of catastrophe.

Though it does not introduce many new elements to the genre, Elevation still captivates audiences with its thrilling action and suspenseful atmosphere.

Conclusion

Elevation is a visually striking post-apocalyptic action thriller with impressive cinematography and solid performances from its cast. While it did not achieve significant box office success and received mixed critical reviews, the film remains an entertaining watch for fans of the genre.