Elevation (2024)

Directed by George Nolfi and starring Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, and Maddie Hasson, Elevation is a post‑apocalyptic sci‑fi horror‑thriller set in the Rocky Mountains. After monstrous "Reapers" decimate most of humanity and can’t ascend above 8,000 feet, survivors take refuge in high‑altitude settlements. Mackie plays Will, a single father whose ailing son forces him to journey below the safety line to find vital supplies, accompanied by Baccarin’s scientist Nina and the resilient Katie (Hasson)

Stunning Visuals & Setting: The film leans into the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, using sweeping drone shots and vibrant cinematography to create tension and atmosphere—welcomed respite amid claustrophobic creature sequences .

• Efficient Pacing: Clocking in at around 90 minutes, the script keeps the story lean, avoiding drawn-out subplots and maintaining a sense of forward momentum .

• Strong Cast Performances: Anthony Mackie offers an earnest, grounded turn as a desperate father, while Morena Baccarin brings emotional nuance and charisma. Maddie Hasson adds youthful energy, hinting at deeper angst and hope 

• Derivative Premise & Monsters: Critics have pointed out that Elevation borrows heavily from familiar creature‑feature tropes—think A Quiet Place, Edge of Tomorrow, even The Tomorrow War—making it feel formulaic 

• Thin Character Development: Aside from Will’s paternal drive and Nina’s past, supporting characters can feel like archetypes, leading to diminished emotional stakes when danger looms 

• Mixed Creature Effects: Though moments of menace are effective—like insectoid pincers bursting through walls—some viewers find the Reaper designs generic and CGI uneven

📝 Critical & Audience Reception

• Critics: Holds around 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its visuals and Mackie’s presence, but criticism for a lack of originality and depth 

• RogerEbert.com awarded it 2.5/4 stars, describing it as "escapism of the highest order" despite genre clichés .

• Decider recommends skipping, calling it "professional …but still lousy" due to a derivative script 

• Screen Rant acknowledges it's “sturdy” yet not wildly inventive, applauding Baccarin’s performance 

• Reddit fan voices note that while creature tension works, predictability undermines scare

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Elevation delivers a polished, visually arresting survival thriller with strong leads and taut pacing. But its familiar plot beats, derivative monster design, and shallow character development keep it from reaching the heights of true genre standouts.

Ideal For: Viewers seeking a concise, action‑packed monster movie with scenic flair and solid performances.

May Disappoint: Those craving originality, deep emotional arcs, or genuinely groundbreaking creature horror.

Score Estimate: 6/10 – a well‑crafted but unremarkable entry in the post‑apocalyptic sci‑fi genre