The Unforgettable Journey of Neill Blomkamp's Groundbreaking Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Everyone loves a cautionary science fiction tale, especially when it presents a grim view of the world and how technology advancements can exacerbate existing problems. It serves as a reminder that humans often fail to learn from their mistakes and instead continue to escalate issues. Despite facing overwhelming expectations, Neill Blomkamp's second feature, Elysium, deserved more recognition.

Blomkamp possesses extraordinary talent, as his fans are well aware. After gaining recognition for his successful short films, he was chosen by Peter Jackson to direct a big-budget Halo movie. Although this project fell through, Jackson went on to support Blomkamp's full-length adaptation of his short film Alive in Joburg, resulting in the renowned sci-fi film, District 9, which has been hailed as one of the best in the genre over the past two decades. While Blomkamp has yet to surpass the brilliance of his debut, his perceived decline in quality has been captivating to observe.

What is Elysium about?

In the year 2154, Earth is on the brink of destruction due to severe overpopulation, widespread disease, and the insatiable greed of the wealthy. The inhabitants of Earth suffer greatly, with impoverished individuals toiling in thankless jobs just to survive. Criminals run rampant, taking whatever they please and resorting to violence when challenged. Meanwhile, the privileged elite escape the harsh reality they've created by residing in Elysium, a ring-shaped settlement orbiting Earth that floats beyond its atmosphere. Elysium offers its inhabitants vast lands and artificially recreated natural beauty, along with abundant resources that make their lives effortless. The primary purpose of Elysium's government is to prevent those less fortunate from gaining access to their sanctuary. Elysium possesses revolutionary medical care that can cure previously incurable diseases, thus giving rise to a flourishing industry of smugglers who facilitate the infiltration of sick individuals from Earth.

Our protagonist, Max Da Costa, is a parolee trapped in an unfulfilling factory job. A tragic workplace accident results in Max contracting a fatal case of radiation poisoning, with doctors giving him a mere five days to live. Desperate for a cure, Max strikes a deal with a criminal acquaintance. If Max can steal valuable information from an Elysium resident, his acquaintance promises to arrange his passage to the space station for the life-saving treatment. Max undergoes a procedure where powered armor becomes fused into his skeletal structure, bestowing him with enhanced abilities necessary for his mission. As Max delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by the highest echelons of Elysium, thrusting him into the sights of a corrupt government official and her ruthless, sociopathic henchman. With his own life hanging in the balance, Max must navigate through the formidable security apparatus of the future's most powerful establishment to not only save himself but also countless others.

Why is Neill Blomkamp only celebrated for District 9?

Neill Blomkamp, in his 20-year career, has directed five feature films and 21 short films. This summer, his sports drama Gran Turismo will be released in theaters. Trailers for the film, like other advertisements featuring Blomkamp, have marketed it as "From the director of District 9." It's interesting to note that District 9, the only film of his that seems to draw attention from major studios, has no connection to the story of Gran Turismo. Despite this, the trailer still mentions it. Blomkamp's entire body of work has been overshadowed by his debut feature, for better or worse.

Most critics and audiences agree that District 9 is one of the best contemporary science fiction films. It is intelligent, raw, rebellious, technically impressive, and overall remarkable. Elysium followed District 9, capturing much of the same intensity. However, its script wasn't as tight, and it lacked the surprise factor of District 9, resulting in mixed reviews. Blomkamp then directed Chappie, which was widely regarded as a significant step down. It received negative reviews from most critics. After a six-year break from directing, he released Demonic while in quarantine. Critics largely disliked his first venture into horror, but it went unnoticed by the majority of viewers. The key difference between his recent works and Elysium is that Elysium is a decent film with some flaws, whereas the others are chaotic and confusing messes. One can't help but wonder how the cultural impact would have been different if he released the films in a different order. It's difficult to imagine how excited fans would be to see Blomkamp at his best following something like Chappie.

Since 2013, the real world has continued to disregard its underprivileged population. Over the past decade, Elysium has increasingly depicted a terrifying potential future. Its plot remains gripping, its characters remain relatable, and its social critique remains unmerciful. If anything, the film has only gained momentum over the years. Initially, some criticized Elysium for its excessively negative outlook or harsh treatment of certain groups. However, the past decade has made it abundantly clear that the wealthy will swiftly abandon this planet given the opportunity. In another ten years, perhaps Elysium will prove to be a valuable handbook for survival.