Elysium (2013)
Neill Blomkamp's bold dystopian sci-fi pits a desperate man against a world divided by privilege, power, and the fight for survival.
Elysium - Movie Information
- Original Title: Elysium
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 7, 2013 (KZ), August 9, 2013 (United States - R), August 9, 2013 (Canada - 14A), August 20, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), August 15, 2013 (Germany - 16), August 14, 2013 (France - 12), August 16, 2013 (India), August 15, 2013 (New Zealand - R16), August 15, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+), September 20, 2013 (Brazil - 16), August 29, 2013 (Italy - T), August 16, 2013 (Spain - 16), August 29, 2013 (South Korea - 18), September 5, 2013 (China)
- Alternative Titles: 極樂帝國2154 (TW), Elysium (FR), 极乐世界 (CN), Kỷ Nguyên Elysium (VN), エリジウム (JP), Elysium (MX), 엘리시움 (KR), Элизиум: Рай не на Земле (RU)
- Production Companies: TriStar Pictures, MRC, QED International, Alphacore, Genre Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Elysium - Plot
In the year 2159, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes, a hard line government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn't stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that, if successful, will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
Elysium - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the divided future of Elysium come to life:
He can save us all.
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Elysium - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Neill Blomkamp
Main Cast
- Matt Damon
- Jodie Foster
- Sharlto Copley
- Diego Luna
- Wagner Moura
- Alice Braga
- William Fichtner
- Jose Pablo Cantillo
- Faran Tahir
- Maxwell Perry Cotton
Writers
- Neill Blomkamp
Producers
- Simon Kinberg
- Neill Blomkamp
- Bill Block
Elysium - FAQs
What is Elysium about?
Elysium is set in 2159, where the ultra-wealthy live on a gleaming orbital space station while the rest of humanity scrapes by on a ruined, overcrowded Earth. When a factory worker named Max faces a deadly crisis, he takes on a desperate mission that could upend the entire social order and bring equality to both worlds.
Does Elysium have a happy ending?
Elysium ends on a bittersweet note. Max sacrifices his life to reboot the station's system, reclassifying all Earth residents as citizens of Elysium. Medical ships are dispatched to Earth, offering healing to everyone — a hopeful conclusion, though it comes at the ultimate personal cost for Max.
Where can you stream Elysium right now?
You can stream Elysium on Netflix. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand and Plex also offer rental options, so there are plenty of ways to watch.
What does the Elysium space station symbolize in the film?
The station is a sharp metaphor for extreme wealth inequality and gated privilege. Its perfect lawns, pristine homes, and miracle medical technology represent everything denied to those below — a deliberate visual contrast that drives home the film's critique of class division, healthcare access, and immigration politics.
Who are the main actors in Elysium?
Matt Damon leads the cast as Max, the reluctant hero fighting for survival and justice. Jodie Foster plays the cold, calculating Secretary Delacourt, while Sharlto Copley delivers a menacing turn as the mercenary Kruger. Wagner Moura, Alice Braga, and Diego Luna round out a strong supporting ensemble.
Is Elysium based on real social issues?
Absolutely. Neill Blomkamp drew directly from real-world concerns — wealth inequality, healthcare access, immigration enforcement, and late-stage capitalism. The film's divided world mirrors contemporary debates about who gets access to life-saving resources and who is left behind, giving its sci-fi premise a grounded, urgent relevance.
Is Elysium worth watching for sci-fi fans?
Elysium earned solid reviews for its striking visuals, visceral action, and pointed social commentary. Critics praised its ambition and world-building, even if some felt the narrative didn't fully match its premise's depth. For fans of dystopian sci-fi with real-world resonance — think District 9 territory — it's a compelling watch.
Where was Elysium filmed?
The Earth-set sequences were filmed primarily in Mexico City, with the sprawling slums of Iztapalapa standing in for the ruined future Earth. The stark contrast with the digitally created Elysium station was intentional — grounding the film's dystopian vision in a real, recognizable landscape to heighten its social impact.
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