On the wave of success of A Quiet Place, viewers were offered another post-apocalyptic thriller — Elevation. But instead of a resounding success, the project failed miserably at the box office. Why?
Plot: high-altitude clone
In a world after a global catastrophe, survivors found salvation in the mountains, where monsters — Reapers , cannot reach. These creatures see and hear perfectly, but are afraid of heights. However, going down is sometimes vital.
The main character, Will (Anthony Mackie), lives in the mountains with his son, who urgently needs medicine. Last time, his wife tried to get them, but did not return. Now Will goes on a dangerous mission with two companions: Nina (Morena Baccarin), a physicist with a tragic past, and Katie (Maddie Hasson), who cannot sit still.
Monsters are waiting in the lowlands, there is almost no chance, but the father cannot leave his son without help. Moreover, Nina is obsessed with the idea of creating a weapon capable of penetrating the armor of the Reapers, and Katie is driven by courage (and obvious sympathy for Will).
Why is it a failure?
A cliche movie
If you've seen A Quiet Place, 28 Days Later or The Last of Us, you'll think that this is not a new movie, but a compilation of familiar plots. The characters are predictable, their motivations are standard, and the dialogues sometimes literally quote cult films.
Nina is an alcoholic scientist with a sense of guilt for the loss of her family. The idea of a strong but traumatized character is not bad, but this image is already hackneyed.
Will is the main character with the strongest motivation, but... no emotions, no charisma.
Promises did not match reality
The creators positioned the film as a new masterpiece "from the creators of A Quiet Place". But instead of tension and fresh ideas, the audience was offered secondary ones.
Weak acting of the main character
Anthony Mackie, who shone as Falcon, looks passive this time. His leadership is questionable, and attempts at emotional scenes are not convincing.
What was done well?
Morena Baccarin as Nina. Her character is the only one who really grabs your attention. The barb, sarcasm, and tragedy come together to create a complex, vivid image.
Digital viewers give the film higher ratings than critics. Perhaps it will find it's audience in the streaming format.
Is it worth watching?
If you like post-apocalyptic dramas and are willing to put up with cliches, then you might like Elevation. But if you are expecting a gripping plot and fresh ideas, this film will most likely disappoint.
Now available in digital format — an ideal choice for home viewing without inflated expectations.
