Elysium

Elysium

Year: 2013

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Budget: $115M

ActionSci-FiDramaThriller

In 2154, humanity is sharply divided between the privileged inhabitants of Elysium, a pristine space station, and the impoverished masses struggling to survive on a decaying Earth. When Max, a resourceful man living on Earth, is critically injured, he sees a chance to reach Elysium and receive the medical care he needs. Risking everything, he embarks on a dangerous mission that could disrupt the established order and challenge the vast inequality between these two distinct worlds.

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Timeline & Setting – Elysium (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Elysium (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2154

Set in the year 2154, the world has transformed into a dystopian landscape where society is sharply divided along class lines. The advancements in technology have benefitted only the elite, leaving the majority to suffer in squalor on a dying planet, illustrating themes of inequality and the fight for survival in an oppressive environment.

Location

Elysium, Earth

Elysium is a luxurious space station serving as a home for the wealthy, offering advanced technology and a life free from the ailments faced by those on Earth. In contrast, Earth is depicted as overcrowded and in decay, plagued by poverty and strict control from robotic enforcers. The stark contrast between the two places highlights the deep social divide and class struggles present in the story.

☁️ Space Station 🌍 Planet

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

Main Characters – Elysium (2013)

Meet the key characters of Elysium (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Max Da Costa (Matt Damon)

Max is a former car thief turned assembly line worker who is willing to fight against the oppressive system to save himself and others. His courage, determination, and moral conflict define his character as he transitions from a self-centered individual seeking survival to a selfless hero making a significant sacrifice for the greater good.

🦸 Hero 🔥 Determination 💔 Sacrifice

Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster)

Jessica Delacourt is the ruthless Secretary of Defense for Elysium, driven by ambition and a desire for power. Her willingness to resort to violence to maintain control exemplifies the cold and calculating nature of those in leadership positions, highlighting the moral decay of the elite.

👩‍✈️ Authority 💼 Ambition 🦹‍♀️ Villainy

M. Kruger (Sharlto Copley)

M. Kruger is a merciless enforcer loyal to Delacourt, known for his brutal tactics. His character exemplifies the extremes of power abuse, as he becomes increasingly unhinged and violent, making him a formidable antagonist as he pursues Max with relentless vengeance.

🔪 Enforcer 😈 Antagonist ⚔️ Violence

Frey (Alice Braga)

Frey is a childhood friend of Max, now a devoted mother trying to care for her ailing daughter in a harsh reality. She represents the personal stakes and the emotional burden faced by many in the struggle against oppression, showcasing the maternal instincts and hope for a better future.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💞 Friendship 😢 Resilience

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

Major Themes – Elysium (2013)

Explore the central themes of Elysium (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Class Struggle

The film explores the theme of class struggle through the contrasting lives of the wealthy citizens of Elysium and the suffering population on Earth. This divide not only highlights socio-economic disparities but also addresses the lengths people will go to seek justice and equality, as seen through Max's journey and sacrifice.

💔 Sacrifice

Max's ultimate act of sacrifice embodies the theme of selflessness. In his quest to save others, he makes the ultimate decision to upload a program that grants citizenship to the downtrodden, even at the cost of his own life, showcasing the idea that true heroism often comes with immense personal cost.

🔒 Control

The movie presents the theme of control, particularly through the actions of Jessica Delacourt and her merciless enforcement of Elysium's borders. This sense of authority is juxtaposed with the desperate measures taken by individuals like Max and Frey, who defy oppressive systems to seek freedom and justice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

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Revolutionary Sci-Fi Stories with High-Stakes Sacrifice like Elysium

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a reluctant hero from the oppressed underclass who is pushed to their limits by personal tragedy or systemic injustice. Their journey involves a dangerous mission against a powerful elite, leading to intense confrontations and a climax that often involves a profound personal sacrifice to achieve systemic change.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core narrative of rebellion in a technologically advanced but socially decaying world. They deliver a consistent experience of high-intensity action, a tense and gritty tone, and a deeply emotional, often bittersweet, resolution centered on the cost of revolution.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist navigating a harsh, unjust world, often facing imminent personal doom. Their struggle against the system is physically and emotionally brutal, showcasing the depths of inequality. The climax typically resolves the central conflict in a way that improves the collective lot but involves a major personal sacrifice, creating a poignant, bittersweet victory.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific emotional mix: they are unflinchingly grim in their depiction of the world, yet they are fundamentally about hope and the fight for change. This creates a cohesive vibe of tense urgency within an oppressive setting, culminating in an emotionally heavy yet cautiously optimistic conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of Elysium

Don't stop at just watching — explore Elysium in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Elysium is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Elysium Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Elysium, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Elysium Summary

Elysium Timeline

Track the full timeline of Elysium with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Elysium Timeline

Elysium Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Elysium that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Elysium Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Elysium

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