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DERRICK DUNN

"Elevation" is passable entertainment


Screen Actors Guild Awards nominee Anthony Mackie reunites with director  George Nolfi for the third time in the post-apocalyptic action thriller "Elevation" from Vertical. Kenny Ryan and Jacob Roman pen the film's screenplay. The narrative commences following the emergence of formidable creatures from the depths of the Earth, eradicating 95% of the global population. These entities possess impenetrable scales and exceptional agility, rendering them nearly impossible to eliminate.


In the harsh and unforgiving expanse of the Rocky Mountains, the survivors are forced to adapt their existence, limited by their inability to climb above 8,000 feet. Among them is widower Will (Anthony Mackie), navigating the challenges of parenthood alongside his young son, Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.), who is grappling with serious lung issues. Their days are marked by struggle and determination as they seek solace in the rugged terrain.


Will's circle of support includes his spirited friend Katie (Maddie Hasson), whose vibrant personality offers a glimmer of hope, and the enigmatic recluse Nina (Morena Baccarin), whose past remains shrouded in mystery. Together, they forge a fragile bond amid the chaos of survival. However, when Hunter's breathing machine runs low on essential filters, the weight of desperation grows heavy. Realizing the situation's urgency, the adults embark on a treacherous journey into the wild, driven by their determination to secure a future for the young boy who relies on them for survival.


"Elevation" inevitably invites comparisons to "A Quiet Place" due to its suspenseful premise. However, despite its brief runtime of just ninety minutes, the film struggles to engage the audience emotionally. The five central characters—a brilliant physicist, a devoted father and his curious son, the haunting presence of a deceased wife and mother, and a loyal friend—fall flat in their development, leaving viewers disconnected from their journeys and struggles.


Mackie and Baccarin put forth commendable efforts to elevate the material. Yet, it feels as though a disconnect exists between the director's vision and the script's essence. The director was drawn to the emotional depth of the drama. At the same time, the script yearned to embrace the thrilling action and chilling horror elements.


Despite this disparity, Mackie stands out as a strong lead, delivering a captivating performance. The film's conclusion tantalizingly hints at a potential sequel exploring the creature's origins, which piques my curiosity.


Final Grade: C+


"Elevation" is in theaters now.

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