For a while, it seemed like we were all a little obsessed with the zombie apocalypse, didn’t it? Even before The Walking Dead became a cultural phenomenon, films like Zombieland and 28 Weeks Later were laying the groundwork. A wave of similar films followed - World War Z, Cooties, Maggie, The Girl with All the Gifts - feeding our apparent appetite for end-of-the-world scenarios. There’s something inherently compelling about a global catastrophe wiping the slate clean. It offers a glimpse into a world where survival takes precedence, where people forge new bonds and navigate life-or-death situations - a thrilling escape from the monotony of modern life.

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However, zombies aren’t even a necessary component of this fantasy, as evidenced by the recent influx of otherworldly invasion films like A Quiet Place (and its sequels), Arcadian, Bird Box and The Silence. It turns out we simply love a good post-apocalyptic dystopia. Perhaps, as the prospect of societal collapse feels more tangible than ever, our fascination with these narratives will wane. Or maybe it will only grow. Either way, George Nolfi’s Elevation is the latest entry to embrace the trend.

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The film opens with a credit sequence revealing that Earth has suffered an extinction-level event. Massive, mysterious creatures known as Reapers emerged from sinkholes deep underground, wiping out 95% of the human race in mere weeks. Fast forward three years, and only small pockets of survivors remain, isolated in high-altitude refuges. For reasons unknown, the Reapers refuse to venture above 8,000 meters. One such settlement is Lost Gulch Refuge, hidden in the Colorado mountains, where recently widowed Will (Anthony Mackie) is doing his best to raise his young son, Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.), who suffers from a lung condition. With Hunter’s oxygen supply dwindling, Will is forced to make the perilous journey to Boulder to secure more filters.

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Despite warnings from Nina (Morena Baccarin), a scientist at Lost Gulch, Will is undeterred. He blames her for his wife’s death after a failed expedition the year before. Yet, despite their strained relationship, he persuades her to accompany him - she sees an opportunity to retrieve supplies that may help her discover a way to kill the Reapers. Oh, and in case it wasn’t clear: the Reapers aren’t just massive, fast, and terrifying - they’re also virtually indestructible. Will and Nina set off, joined by Will’s no-nonsense ally, Katie (Maddie Hasson), on a high-stakes mission that will bring them face-to-face with Earth’s new apex predator.

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Although Elevation secured a theatrical release in the U.S., it received no such treatment in the U.K - not even a limited run. The film struggled at the box office, pulling in just over $3.5 million against an $18 million budget. A shame, really, because while it may not reach the heights of A Quiet Place, it’s still a solid sci-fi horror that likely would have benefited from a big-screen experience. Thankfully, it’s available on Amazon Prime - and still worth a watch.

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Critics have dismissed Elevation as derivative, and while it undeniably shares DNA with recent dystopian sci-fi, it retains enough of its own identity to avoid feeling like a straight-up clone. Yes, it is a tad formulaic but any film depicting a decimated human population post-invasion will inevitably draw comparisons. But Elevation has three key elements working in its favour:

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Firstly, it looks fantastic. The crisp, snow-covered Colorado mountains and dense forest landscapes create a striking visual backdrop, enhanced by Shelly Johnson’s excellent cinematography. Yes, the aesthetic may evoke A Quiet Place, but when it looks this good, does it really matter? Director George Nolfi also delivers some well-executed action sequences, including a particularly gripping set piece involving ski lifts!

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Secondly, the cast. While Anthony Mackie may not be an A-list headliner, his understated presence makes him effortlessly watchable. Morena Baccarin proves a strong counterpart, and Maddie Hasson (Malignant) rounds out the trio well, balancing the simmering conflict with a grounded, engaging performance. Amidst the film’s intense action and horror, there are several well-executed quieter moments between the three, allowing for deeper character exploration and dynamic interplay. With much of the film centred on these three, their dynamic is crucial - and it works.

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Thirdly, without spoiling the surprise of what the Reapers are or how they appear, they are pretty damn cool and serve as formidable antagonists. The decision to cloak them in mystery, revealing only fragments of their nature, may frustrate some viewers, but this sense of the unknown ultimately enhances their aura of invincibility. And with the film being a snappy 91 minutes long, they don’t outstay their welcome either. By the film’s conclusion, certain questions find answers, yet these revelations only introduce even more unsettling possibilities.

Whilst the film isn't short of tension or action, it is rather blunt when it comes to the gore. There's very little bloodletting (or death come to that) and whilst that may make it more palatable for younger viewers - or the squeamish - a bit more carnage might not have been a bad thing.

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Also, watch out for the mid-credit sequence, which hints at a potential sequel. While a disappointing box office performance could jeopardize its chances, strong streaming numbers might be enough to secure a follow-up - and we’d be up for that.