Elevation

"Elevation" is a movie with a compelling premise that, unfortunately, stumbles in its execution. While there are glimmers of creativity and moments of genuine intrigue, the film ultimately falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential.

The story explores a high-concept idea that feels fresh at first but quickly becomes bogged down by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. The script occasionally touches on deeper themes but lacks the focus or depth to make a lasting impact. Instead, it relies on predictable plot beats and moments of unnecessary exposition that drag down its momentum.

On the positive side, the visuals are stunning. The cinematography does an excellent job of creating a sense of scale and immersion, and the production design gives the movie a polished, modern aesthetic. The soundtrack also enhances key scenes, adding emotional weight when the story struggles to provide it.

The performances, while not bad, don't elevate the material as much as they could have. The lead actor delivers a solid performance, but the supporting cast feels underutilized, leaving some relationships and dynamics feeling hollow.

Overall, "Elevation" is an admirable attempt that fails to reach its lofty ambitions. While it's not a bad movie and has some entertaining moments, it doesn't leave a lasting impression. For viewers who enjoy thought-provoking concepts, it might be worth a watch, but don't expect it to soar to great heights.

I kind of see this as a series. There's a unknown, enemy, unknown motivation, and a world that needs to be retaken. If it's a stand alone film, it's meh. I mean it entertains but it's derivative and lacking in true imagination. If it's a pilot or the first of a series of B movies I think it had real potential.

Regardless, it's better than expected. I definitely think it's worth a watch. The special effects are okay, acting is okay, the monster is lame but the twist at the end gives it legs, it makes you want more, and definitely want an explanation. I hope we at least get a sequel follow up that fills in the missing info.

3.125 STARS - Elevation is a post-apocalyptic monster movie where most of humanity has been destroyed and those who survived are only doing so because they learned that the creatures can't go beyond 8,000 feet of elevation. The trigger for the story in this film is that a small group of the survivors must journey into dangerous territory to acquire some life-saving supplies. While it felt rather generic, this isn't the worst I've ever seen. The ending felt a tad too compressed, and because of that, it probably could have benefitted a bit from a few more minutes in that part. Though it clearly got its inspiration from other movies that have done it better, it added its own unique twist on things that made it at least interesting enough to not outright hate. Anthony Mackie and Monica Baccarin performed well here - especially with Monica, during a moment of emotional distress for her character. The main things that jumped out to me as negatives were the typical perfect-timing scenarios that happened toward the end and the predictable character death/situations that occurred. Other than that, it didn't feel flawed enough to recommend a hard pass on. Also, there is a small mid-credits scene to watch if you're interested. Video review to come shortly.

It was an interesting concept and an entertaining movie. There are several plot holes, and things that don't make sense. Much less get answered. It's not scary, but it does get a little tense in some spots. Unfortunately a lot of the characters are cliche and the dialogue seems forced sometimes. The mystery of Elevation is the strongest part of the movie. Rarely do I hope for a prequel to explain the story better. However in this case I think one should be made I don't think there will ever be one, my son and I went to it and there was literally only one other person in the theater. In my opinion it is definitely worth a watch.

When powerful creatures arrive from the underground of Earth everywhere in the planet, 95% of mankind is wiped out since the creatures are indestructible. The survivors find that the creatures are unable to transpose 2.400 m height and live in communities at this elevation. Will (Anthony Mackie) lives alone with his son Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.) since his wife Tara (Rachel Nicks) went in an expedition when only the scientist Nina (Morena Baccarin) survived. Hunter is a sick boy with respiratory problems and when his filters finish, Will intends to go to the hospital at Boulder City to bring medical supplies for Hunter. He goes with his best friend Katie (Maddie Hasson) and Nina to the city in a dangerous journey since the city is below 2.400 m height.

"Elevation" (2024) is an action-sci-fi movie with an interesting concept that looks like the pilot of a series. The idea of indestructible creatures that are not able to transpose 8.000 ft. Height is different. The journey of Will, Katie and Nina through a mine with different heights and a ski lift is engaging and looks like a video game. But the optimistic conclusion shows a final scene that seems to be a sequel through another movie or a TV series. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Linha da Extinção" ("The Extinction Line")