Elevation

Elevation (2024) – A High-Altitude Survival Thriller with Creature-Feature Thrills

Elevation (2024) is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller directed by George Nolfi and starring Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, and Maddie Hasson. Set in the Rocky Mountains, the film introduces a dystopian future where monstrous insect-like creatures called “Reapers” have emerged from underground and decimated 95% of humanity. The few survivors have fled to elevations above 8,000 feet—beyond the reach of these deadly predators.

The story follows Will (Anthony Mackie), a widowed father living in the high-altitude settlement of Lost Gulch. Will’s son, Hunter, suffers from severe asthma, and the community's medical supplies are running dangerously low. Forced by desperation, Will must descend below the safety line to retrieve crucial equipment. He is joined by Nina (Morena Baccarin), a brilliant but reclusive scientist seeking to understand and defeat the Reapers, and Katie (Maddie Hasson), a tough and resourceful friend from the community.

The film’s central premise—that elevation is the only protection against the monsters—adds a unique tension to the story. Every descent below the 8,000-foot line becomes a nerve-racking gamble. The mountainous setting is used effectively to build suspense, with wide, sweeping shots of the Rockies contrasted against claustrophobic tunnels and abandoned towns. Visually, Elevation is striking. The cinematography captures both the isolation and danger of this new world, while the creature design for the Reapers delivers the kind of eerie menace expected in the genre.

While the film shines in terms of concept and atmosphere, its execution has drawn mixed responses. Critics have noted that the film follows familiar survival thriller tropes, borrowing heavily from earlier genre entries like A Quiet Place and Tremors. Character development is somewhat uneven, with emotional arcs sometimes feeling rushed or underexplored. Nevertheless, the performances help carry the story. Anthony Mackie brings a strong emotional core to Will’s paternal struggle, and Morena Baccarin delivers a compelling, layered performance as a woman haunted by past failures but driven by purpose.

Despite its flaws, Elevation benefits from tight pacing and a relatively short runtime of 92 minutes, making it a quick and engaging watch. The middle portion of the film can feel slow at times, but the final act ramps up the intensity with suspenseful action sequences and a few surprises. Although the film’s budget limits the scale of its effects, the practical and CGI work is generally effective—especially in scenes involving the Reapers’ attacks.

Audience reception has been more positive than that of critics. Viewers have praised the film’s suspenseful moments, emotional stakes, and fresh setting, even if the overall narrative doesn’t break much new ground. Elevation doesn’t revolutionize the post-apocalyptic or monster thriller genres, but it delivers enough tension, visual flair, and emotional beats to satisfy fans.

In conclusion, Elevation stands as a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the survival thriller genre. With strong performances, a compelling central premise, and effective atmosphere, it’s a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy high-concept science fiction blended with creature-feature suspense.