In recent years, the cinematic landscape has been shaped by an influx of high-concept thrillers, particularly in the realm of horror and science fiction. Films like “A Quiet Place” and “Bird Box” have not only captivated audiences with their unique premises but have also succeeded in providing a fresh take on the monster genre. “Elevation” attempts to carve out its niche within this growing trend by introducing a captivating storyline: monstrous creatures emerge from the shadows, leading humanity to the brink of extinction. However, despite the thrilling premise, “Elevation” falters in execution, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than excitement.
At the center of “Elevation” is Will, portrayed by the charismatic Anthony Mackie. Will’s character serves as a widowed father trying to protect his ailing son, Hunter, played by the talented Danny Boyd Jr. Their journey is compounded by the atmospheric fears of a remote Colorado community, making for a strong emotional setup. Will’s determination is palpable, and his character arc holds promise. Yet, not all characters are created equal. Katie, a local tough guy portrayed by Maddie Hasson, feels out of place, leaving the trio feeling discordant in motivations and dynamics. While Mackie and Morena Baccarin, who plays a tortured scientist named Nina, offer standout performances, particularly during moments of vulnerability, the characters ultimately lack depth and cohesion, hampering any emotional investment in the narrative.
One of the film’s critical missteps lies in its reliance on heavy exposition. A premise riddled with merit is marred by the need to over-explain the plot, which detracts from the sheer power of suspense and tension that the narrative So desperately craves. The dialogue becomes monotonous and detracts from the viewers’ ability to immerse themselves in the unfolding events. Rather than unwrapping the characters’ backgrounds and the nature of the monsters with nuanced storytelling, the film opts for rapid-fire exposition that fills time but fails to enrich the experience. The fast-paced action may satisfy some viewers, but it ultimately sacrifices the emotional stakes that could have elevated the narrative.
Where “Elevation” does excel is in its visual presentation. The cinematography is ambitious, capturing the vast, eerie beauty of the Colorado mountains, which contrast strikingly with the lurking horror below. The mountain ranges serve as both a refuge and a backdrop, enhancing the film’s thematic tension. The visual effects team deserves commendation for their innovative creature design, which elicits a strong visual impact. However, while the monstrous presence is visually compelling, it is the anticipation and fear of not knowing what lurks in the dark that often proves to be more terrifying than its grand entry. Regrettably, “Elevation” does not capitalize on this principle, leaning instead towards a more bombastic depiction that undercuts its own atmospheric tension.
“Elevation” presents itself as a thrilling, fast-paced monster movie with moments of brilliance yet remains anchored by its shortcomings. The narrative hinges on high stakes, but with an overreliance on action over character growth and emotional engagement, the film ends up feeling formulaic. While Mackie and Baccarin’s charm keeps the audience’s interest afloat, one cannot help but feel that “Elevation” is left with untapped potential. Clever editing maintains a brisk 91-minute runtime, yet even this utility scarcely hides the movie’s inability to deliver a deeper, more resonant experience. As it stands, “Elevation” appears to be a missed opportunity in the monster thriller genre, one that raises questions about the delicate balance required between spectacle and storytelling. The promise of a sequel may linger on the horizon, but whether it can overcome its predecessor’s flaws remains to be seen.