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Elysium

Elysium is a 2013 American dystopian science fiction action film written, co-produced, and directed by Neill Blomkamp.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elysium is a 2013 American dystopian science fiction action film written, co-produced, and directed by Neill Blomkamp. Set in 2154, it contrasts a ruined, overpopulated Earth with a luxury space station called Elysium. The film stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster and was released in August 2013.

Premise

The film depicts a future in which wealthy people live on a pristine space station while most of humanity remains on an impoverished and polluted Earth. The central conflict follows a man who tries to reach Elysium for medical help and a chance to change the system.

Production and release

Elysium was written, co-produced, and directed by Neill Blomkamp. It was released theatrically on August 9, 2013, including in IMAX Digital cinemas.

Cast

The principal cast includes Matt Damon as Max and Jodie Foster as Secretary Delacourt, with supporting roles played by Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, and William Fichtner.

Themes

The film is known for its social commentary, especially its depiction of inequality between the wealthy and the poor, along with references to health care access, migration, labour conditions, and political power.

Key facts

  • It is Neill Blomkamp's second feature film as director.
  • The story is set in 2154 on a damaged Earth and a wealthy orbital habitat called Elysium.
  • The film explores themes including immigration, overpopulation, transhumanism, health care, worker exploitation, and social class.
  • Sony Pictures Releasing distributed the film through the TriStar Pictures label.
  • It grossed $286.1 million worldwide.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada as part of its international theatrical release and is available to Canadian audiences through home and streaming platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is Elysium about?
It is set in 2154 and follows a man trying to reach a wealthy space station while Earth remains overcrowded and ruined.
Who directed Elysium?
Neill Blomkamp directed the film and also wrote and co-produced it.
Who stars in Elysium?
The film stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, with Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, and William Fichtner.
When was Elysium released?
It was released on August 9, 2013.
What genre is Elysium?
It is a dystopian science fiction action film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elysium_(film)
    Supports: Basic identification of the film, release year, director, cast, setting, themes, and worldwide gross.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elysium_2013
    Supports: Release date, runtime, director, genre, synopsis, and box office information.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70251536
    Supports: Synopsis, year, rating, and principal cast listing.