Matt Damon’s criminally underrated, 2013 sci-fi action blockbuster is about to blast onto a new streaming home this October. Damon has been part of some amazing sci-fi films, including The Martian and Interstellar. But it’s one of the Oscar-winning actor’s more divisive sci-fi movies (that deserves a lot more love than it received), which is about to touch down on Netflix. The film was directed by one of the best sci-fi filmmakers, Neill Blomkamp (District 9), and featured an all-star cast, including Andor‘s Diego Luna.
If the clues above didn’t give it away, the movie is none other than Elysium. Blomkamp’s explosive sci-fi action film will stream on Netflix on October 1. Neill Blomkamp wrote and directed the movie, which also starred Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Jared Keeso, Wagner Moura, and William Fletcher, alongside the aforementioned Damon and Luna. The official synopsis reads:
In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth. A man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.”
When Elysium opened in theaters in 2013, the film was modestly received by critics. It holds a decent 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences were less kind to the Damon-led sci-fi action film, as it holds a weak 58% audience rating. However, despite the mixed reviews, the film managed to more than double its money at the box office. Shot for around $115 million, the film grossed just over $286 million worldwide, making it a decent hit. Just over a year later, Damon then starred in his best sci-fi film to date, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
‘Elysium’ Is a Sci-Fi Hidden Gem on Netflix
Do yourself a favor and give Elysium a try when it streams on Netflix on October 1. Blomkamp has proven himself to be one of the best sci-fi directors around, thanks to the likes of District 9 and Chappie, among other underrated flicks. Elysium features the Oscar-worthy visual effects that Blomkamp is known for, along with the bloody and explosive action that helped to make District 9 such a big hit.
The film is easily one of Matt Damon’s most action-packed roles (at least, until Good Will Hunting 2: Hunting Season gets made). The actor got jacked for the role, and his transformation for the part was a major part of its marketing. Admittedly, the film has its flaws, as fans and critics have been quick to point out. But, beneath its shortcomings, Elysium is still a great sci-fi action movie. It might not have the society-shifting message it thinks it does, but the action and sci-fi worldbuilding are still strong enough for it to be an enjoyable movie.
- Release Date
-
August 9, 2013
- Runtime
-
109 minutes
