Elysium

Neill Blomkamp writes and directs this sci-fi drama starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. It is the year 2154 and the wealthy have fled the overpopulated and largely resource-drained Earth in favour of Elysium, a luxurious space habitat located in the planet's orbit. With no poverty, no sickness and no war, the contrast between Elysium and the ravaged planet it revolves around couldn't be starker – and is tough for those left on Earth to bear.

When Max De Costa (Damon) learns that he has no hope of beating the cancer that has afflicted him without breaking into Elysium, he understands the scale of the task he has undertaken. With Secretary Delacourt (Foster) charged with enforcing Elysium's strict anti-immigration policies and a team of hardened troops at her disposal, led by the ferocious Agent Kruger (Sharlto Copley), Max faces the battle of his life if he intends to bridge the cosmic gap between rich and poor.

Critic Reviews:

• " [T]he visuals are breathtaking and there's a mid-movie shoot'em-up that's one of the best in the genre. " – Kevin Maher

• " Elysium benefits from [Neil] Blomkamp's staunch determination to use his fantastical setting in service of a personal story with a human heart. " – Zaki Hasan

• " The best parts of this ‘parallel universe’ experience are aesthetic. " – Graham Young

Note: This is an imported product that has been officially rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body of New Zealand. As this is sourced from overseas, the discs may not play on standard DVD players.