Humanity’s Last Stand

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Elevation
–

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): George Nolfi
Writer(s): John Glenn, Jacob Roman, Kenny Ryan
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson, Danny Boyd Jr., Shauna Earp, Drexel Malkoff, David Malkoff
Where To Watch: in select theaters November 8, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: As the high-altitude thriller ELEVATION climbs to dizzying heights, it redefines the landscape of creature features by setting its terrifying encounters above the threshold where earthbound horrors tread. Directed by George Nolfi and co-written by John Glenn, Jacob Roman, and Kenny Ryan, ELEVATION introduces a unique survival scenario: humanity must ascend above a certain altitude to avoid monstrous threats that cannot survive in the thinner air. This intriguing twist elevates the genre to new elevations, making it a fight for the high ground.

Anthony Mackie leads the cast as a father, Will, determined to protect his son from the unknown dangers that prowl below their mountain sanctuary. Parallel to his heroic efforts is the story of a scientist, teetering on the brink of cliché yet managing to inject a fresh pulse into the narrative's heart. Though some plot elements wander into familiar territory, the performances by Mackie and Morena Baccarin as Nina inject substantial emotional weight, lifting the human drama amidst a backdrop of existential threats. The film’s brisk 90-minute runtime leaves Maddie Hasson’s character, Katie, wanting more depth and development. She brings a nuanced performance that hints at untold backstories and complex group dynamics that beg for exploration beyond the film’s tight editing constraints. Are we looking for a sequel?

ELEVATION is a spectacle of dread and awe captured through its rugged, mountainous terrain. The decision to shoot on location amplifies the authenticity and immersion, turning precarious ski lifts and shadowy mine shafts into stages for tension-filled drama. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of these high-altitude settings, making them refugees as much as they are challenging landscapes.

The creatures of ELEVATION are sparingly but effectively used to maximize suspense. This is how it should be; you don’t always have to “see” the scary! By keeping these nightmarish entities largely unseen, the film plays on the primal fear of the unknown, making what lurks in the shadows far more terrifying than what is fully revealed. This less-is-more approach is a visual and narrative strength, focusing on atmosphere over explicit horror.

Despite its innovative premise and striking execution, ELEVATION doesn’t fully ascend to the thematic depths it could explore. The script occasionally sacrifices potential narrative complexity to maintain suspense and pace. Survival strategies and scientific insights sometimes feel glossed over, and the exposition needed to establish the rules of this high-altitude world can burden the dialogue. Yet, these moments are navigated with enough finesse to keep the narrative aloft without losing its audience.

ELEVATION shines with a commendable mix of creativity and restraint. Practical effects create believable threats on the screen, steering clear of over-reliance on CGI and enhancing the film’s realism. This authenticity ensures that the horrors, as substantial as the mountains themselves, resonate with a tangible menace.

ELEVATION offers a taut, engaging thriller that marries a distinctive premise with adept filmmaking. Though it may not wholly redefine its genre, it provides a fresh take that invigorates the standard monster movie formula with real high-stakes drama. For those seeking a survival thriller with an original twist, ELEVATION proves that innovative ideas can breathe new life into familiar terrains, making it a compelling watch for fans and newcomers alike.

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[photo courtesy of VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT]

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