Elysium

  • 2013
  • R
  • 109m
movieMx RATING
6.5
9.5K
VERDICT
HIT
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Elysium Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 11, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 11, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Elysium

MovieElysium
Release Year2013
DirectorNeill Blomkamp
GenreScience Fiction / Action / Drama / Thriller
Runtime109 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Elysium (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Elysium are led by Matt Damon . The supporting cast, including Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Elysium (2013) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.5/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Elysium stands out as a strong entry in the Science Fiction genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Science Fiction narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Elysium has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Science Fiction fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Elysium

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Elysium is a Science Fiction, Action, Drama, Thriller film directed by Neill Blomkamp. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Matt Damon.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Matt Damon's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Thematic Depth

The sci-fi elements serve as a lens to examine contemporary issues such as technology's impact on humanity, the nature of consciousness, and our place in the universe.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: Elysium

Elysium Ending Explained: Directed by Neill Blomkamp, Elysium wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core science fiction themes developed throughout the film.

The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Matt Damon. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Elysium reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Elysium?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Matt Damon or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: Elysium

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $115.0M
Worldwide Gross $286.1M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Elysium Budget

The estimated production budget for Elysium is $115.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Elysium

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Where to Watch Elysium Online?

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Elysium Parents Guide & Age Rating

2013 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Elysium age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Elysium is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Elysium is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Elysium is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Elysium. Rating: 6.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elysium worth watching?

Elysium is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Elysium parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Elysium identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Elysium?

The total duration of Elysium is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.

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Critic Reviews for Elysium

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
Elysium
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