Elevation

The film Elevation directed by George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau (2011)) offers an interesting premise: a world ravaged by monstrous creatures impervious to human weapons, with survivors clinging to life above 8,000 feet - a mysterious threshold that the creatures, nicknamed the Reapers, cannot cross. On paper, this story is full of potential, promising a unique twist to the survival genre. Yet the film struggles to surpass the conventions of its predecessors, hampered by superficial characterization and derivative storytelling.

Elevation follows Will (Anthony Mackie), a widowed father struggling with the double burden of protecting his sick young son Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.) and dealing with the emotional scars left by the loss of his wife. Life at Lost Gulch Refuge, a mountaintop sanctuary for a dwindling group of survivors, is rough but steady, until Hunter's oxygen machine runs out of filters. With no other choice, Will is forced to venture below the Line of Demarcation, the border that marks protection from the Reapers, to retrieve new supplies from an abandoned hospital in Boulder. Accompanying him are Nina (Morena Baccarin), a hard-nosed scientist looking to make amends for a past failure, and Katie (Maddie Hasson), a spirited family friend determined to lend her support. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through dangerous terrain, constantly shadowed by the threat of annihilation.

Visually, Elevation is undeniably striking. The decision to shoot in the Colorado Rockies pays off handsomely, lending the film a tangible sense of scale and authenticity. Shelly Johnson's photography captures the brutal beauty of the high-altitude wilderness, juxtaposing serene mountain panoramas with the fear of what lies beneath. The use of natural light reinforces the film's atmosphere, with daylight scenes emphasizing the exposure and vulnerability of the protagonists. When night falls, the tight, claustrophobic framing heightens the tension, particularly during a harrowing sequence set in an abandoned mine. These visual elements work perfectly to create a world both majestic and perilous, a fitting backdrop for the story's themes of survival and sacrifice.

However, while the film's aesthetic strengths are commendable, its narrative shortcomings are harder to ignore. The screenplay, written by John Glenn, Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan, relies heavily on the genre's figures of speech, offering little in the way of innovation. The characters lack depth and nuance. Will's arc as a determined father willing to risk everything for his son is compelling in theory, but doesn't seem developed enough in execution, with much of his emotional journey conveyed through explicit dialogue rather than organic storytelling. Similarly, Nina's quest for redemption and Katie's youthful idealism are sketched out in broad strokes, leaving little room for meaningful character development.

One of the film's greatest missed opportunities lies in its handling of the Reapers. These creatures, though visually imposing with their metallic, insectoid design, remain frustratingly vague. Their inability to rise above 8,000 feet is central to the plot, but no explanation is provided - a mystery that, rather than adding intrigue, leaves the audience unsatisfied. What's more, the Reapers' role as implacable predators is undermined by repetitive encounters that fail to raise the intensity or stakes. By the middle of the film, the threat posed by the creatures begins to fade, and the tension they generate diminishes accordingly.

Despite these shortcomings, Elevation manages to deliver several genuinely thrilling moments. The mine sequence is a highlight, with director George Nolfi expertly building suspense as the protagonists navigate narrow tunnels, their flickering headlights barely piercing the darkness. Another memorable scene involves a precarious escape on a faulty ski lift, demonstrating the film's ability to blend action and peril. These scenes, though isolated, hint at the film Elevation could have been if it had more consistently balanced spectacle and substance.

Beyond the action, Elevation tackles deeper themes such as resilience, loss and the ability of the human spirit to endure in the face of adversity. Hunter's desire to discover the world, despite its dangers, is a poignant reminder that survival is not enough, that to truly live, one must find meaning and connection in the midst of chaos. This underlying theme lends the film a certain emotional weight, even if it remains largely untapped, overshadowed by the more immediate demands of the plot.

The performances are solid throughout, with Anthony Mackie anchoring the film with his understated portrayal of Will. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, convincingly conveying the character's outward determination and inner turmoil. The superb Morena Baccarin impresses as Nina, imbuing her character with a blend of cynicism and vulnerability that adds dimension to an otherwise clichéd archetype. Maddie Hasson, meanwhile, injects a dose of energy and warmth that helps balance the group dynamic. Yet, despite the actors' efforts, the film disappoints with a script that prioritizes plot over character development.

In its final act, Elevation hints at a larger mythology, with a scene mid-credits suggesting a potential sequel. While this may intrigue some viewers, it also underlines the film's inability to offer a satisfying stand-alone experience. By withholding key information about the Reapers and their origins, the director seems more interested in building a franchise than establishing a coherent narrative. This approach leaves the audience with more questions than answers, diluting the impact of what should have been a climactic resolution.

Elevation is a film caught between ambition and execution. It aspires to be a challenging, character-driven thriller, but often settles for being a genre film lacking in depth. Its stunning visuals and few explosions of tension make it a must-see for die-hard fans of post-apocalyptic cinema, but those looking for something truly original are likely to be disappointed. Like the mountaintop refuge it depicts, Elevation offers a glimpse of something bigger, but remains frustratingly out of touch, unable to fully transcend the limits of its genre.

Elevation
Directed by George Nolfi
Written by John Glenn, Jacob Roman, Kenny Ryan
Produced by Brad Fuller, John Glenn, George Nolfi, Joel Viertel, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Natalie Sellers, Alexander Black, Anthony Mackie
Starring Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson
Cinematography : Shelly Johnson
Edited by Joel Viertel
Music by H. Scott Salinas
Production companies : Lyrical Media, Grinder Monkey, John Glenn Entertainment
Distributed by Vertical (United States), Prime Video (France)
Release date : November 8, 2024 (United States), January 2, 2025 (France)
Running time : 92 minutes

Viewed on January 2, 2025 on Prime Video

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