I was seated in the theater for Smile 2 when a trailer for George Nolfi’s Elevation came on. I was intrigued, largely because I hadn’t heard of it and have a profound, insatiable interest in monster movies. And then, I forgot the film existed.
Most of that is Smile 2’s fault. I couldn’t think about anything else for weeks, okay, and if you’ve seen Smile 2, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Months later, I was browsing Max when I saw Elevation was available to stream. My time had come! Better still, I enjoyed the film. I’m not the only one either, since Elevation has recently cracked the Top 10 on Max.
Learn more about the film below:
Per Max: Three years after creatures decimated humanity leaving survivors in the mountains, a father must venture below “The Line” to save his son.
Critical reviews of Elevation were mixed. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the Critical Consensus reads, “Beautiful scenery and a solid star turn from Anthony Mackie raise Elevation up to an extent, but this sci-fi thriller is too derivative to reach the peak of its potential.”
It’s pretty common monster movie mayhem, but it’s diverting enough, and Mackie truly is remarkable in the lead role. It’s not going to rock your world the way something like A Quiet Place might (or even Arcadian, honestly), but it’s more than worth a watch, especially if you love some star-studded B-movie thrills.
On social media, fans have been kinder toward Elevation than critics were. It’s tailor-made for streaming, and luckily, the reception has been mostly positive.
Check out some choice social media reactions below:
#Elevation is a Quiet Place rip/off meets the Last of US if it was a video game. It’s ok, but don’t except anything more beyond what it’s riffing. But interesting thing about this movie director is the writer for the new Star Wars movie. Sooooo…. pic.twitter.com/qhdVQCuwdP
— Stingray_Travel (@Stingray_travel) March 31, 2025
Elevation starting Anthony Mackie is underrated
— Devon (@devonodom_) March 15, 2025
Currently, watching #Elevation in #MAX #PrimeVideo
Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson.
Good so far. Adrenaline rush.
Still learning the rules and backstory. Big monsters coming from underground. Wiped more than 80% of population. pic.twitter.com/juGd6cexWa
— Medievaldragon (@Medievaldragon) March 14, 2025
30 mins into Elevation, this the type movie I fucks with. Anthony Mackie need more roles
— NyabINGY (@Nyab1ngy) March 14, 2025
ELEVATION
Post apocalyptical movie featuring Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin.
Not the worst one I’ve seen, not a waste of time.
Can’t wait for the sequel.#Elevation— Honest Take (@Honest_Take11) March 4, 2025
In terms of monster movies, they’re too few and far between, so if you’re even a remote fan, I recommend checking Elevation out. If you do, be sure to check in with me over on Twitter @Chadiscollins to let me know what you think!
Categorized:News