Neill Blomkamp stunned audiences back in 2009 with his startling debut District 9; a daringly original sci-fi action movie that bravely addressed the ongoing issue of apartheid in South Africa. Amazingly, despite a shoe string budget, District 9 went on to become the best blockbuster of the year. Boasting dazzling special effects and a refreshing take on a somewhat stale genre, District 9 announced the arrival of a new sci-fi master fit to rival Spielberg himself.
The immense success of District 9 has ensured that Blomkamp's new sci-fi adventure, Elysium, has rather large boots to fill. Set in the not too distant future, Elysium is the name of the space station where the wealthy dwell free from illness, poverty and even death. The rest of the human race remain on a polluted, overpopulated and highly dangerous earth. Despite their best efforts, the mass population are not permitted access to Elysium, whose inhabitants have programmed droids to control the people on earth. When ex criminal Max learns that he has only days to live, he attempts to turn the whole system on its head in a last ditch effort to reach Elysium and save himself.
The ever reliable Matt Damon is typically stoic as the morally ambiguous Max. The likability factor garnered by Damon is important in his portrayal of a character who is not always heroic. Disappointingly, Jodie Foster doesn't have a great deal to do in a somewhat cliched role, yet it's nice to see Diego Luna on screen once again as Max's best friend, Julio. It is Sharlto Copely however, who has the most fun as the villainous Agent Kruger, whose dogged pursuit of Max places him firmly in Terminator territory. Clearly unhinged, Kruger's scenery chewing outbursts are a joy to watch, and rank alongside Elysium's many highlights.
Unfortunately, Elysium, like most sci-fi films, suffers from the weight of exposition, which essentially takes up the first third of the film. While Blomkamp's version of the future is intriguing, things do begin to drag a little. This is in part due to our somewhat unnecessary introduction to Max as a child, which does little in aiding our understanding of the protagonist, provides little information, nor further the plot. Similarly, the subplot of the sick girl is a disappointing cliche which really isn't necessary. That being said, when Elysium gets going, it doesn't stop. Few directors are able to match Blomkamp when it comes to action. As the stakes are continually raised for the characters, the action is ramped up relentlessly; the film's later scenes hurtle past at a breakneck pace.
Once again, Blomkamp has proved himself a visual artist of the highest order. His apocalyptic vision of a diseased earth is perfectly realised, every last detail contributing to a barely recognisable cityscape. The shaky handheld cinematography adds a large degree of realism to events as they unfold; watch in slow motion as a droid explodes into thousands of pieces, or a pulverised face magically heal. The technical artistry of Blomkamp is simply astounding.
Don't be fooled by all the explosions however, Blomkamp's action filled romp isn't at all empty headed. Like District 9 before it, Elysium is a canvas on which Blomkamp clearly depicts his concerns regarding several key social issues. Despite the fantastical events unfolding on screen, the premise of Elysium is worryingly relatable; providing a social commentary on immigration, healthcare and overpopulation.
In short, Elysium is a fantastic sci-fi actioner, and a worthy follow up to the hallowed District 9. It's disappointing reliance on several age-old cliches prevent Blomkamp's effort from truly achieving classic status, yet this is a gooey, balls to the walls sci-fi with brains - terrific entertainment.
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