Humanity Faces Deadly 'Reapers' in Sci-Fi Thriller 'Elevation'

Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin star in a brisk post-apocalyptic monster movie set in the Colorado Rockies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:27am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered, glittering glass surface in dramatic high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the fragility of humanity against the threats depicted in the film 'Elevation'.The shattered remains of humanity's defenses against the relentless 'Reapers' in the sci-fi thriller 'Elevation'.Boulder Today

In the near-future, a father (Anthony Mackie) must venture into a dangerous zone below 8,000 feet to find medical supplies for his sick son, facing off against mysterious, tank-sized creatures known as 'Reapers' that have decimated most of humanity living at lower altitudes. Joined by a misanthropic scientist (Morena Baccarin) and a young woman (Maddie Hasson) who is fond of the father, the trio must navigate the treacherous landscape and fight for survival against the relentless 'giant murder bugs' in this entertaining sci-fi action thriller.

Why it matters

As the latest entry in the growing post-apocalyptic/monster movie genre, 'Elevation' offers a brisk, suspenseful take on humanity's struggle for survival against a new apex predator. The film's setting in the Colorado Rockies provides a visually striking backdrop, while the central father-son relationship adds emotional stakes to the high-stakes action.

The details

Directed by George Nolfi, 'Elevation' opens three years after a catastrophic chain of natural disasters has forced most of the population to seek refuge above 8,000 feet. In this new reality, a young boy named Hunter (Danny Boyd Jr.) narrowly escapes an encounter with the vicious, tank-sized 'Reapers' that have taken over the lower altitudes. Hunter's father, Will (Anthony Mackie), must then venture down the mountain to find medical supplies, accompanied by the misanthropic scientist Nina (Morena Baccarin) and a young woman named Katie (Maddie Hasson) who is fond of Will. The trio must use their wits and resourcefulness to survive the Reapers and reach their destination in the ruined city of Boulder.

  • Three years after a series of natural disasters forced most of the population to seek refuge above 8,000 feet.
  • The events of the film take place over the course of a single dangerous journey down the mountain.

The players

Will

A father who must venture down the mountain to find medical supplies for his sick son.

Nina

A misanthropic scientist who reluctantly accompanies Will on his journey, driven by a belief that she can devise a solution to the 'Reaper' problem.

Katie

A young woman who is fond of Will and joins the expedition, despite her dislike of the antagonistic Nina.

Hunter

Will's 8-year-old son, who suffers from respiratory issues and must rely on his father's journey to obtain the necessary medical supplies.

The Reapers

Mysterious, tank-sized creatures that have decimated most of humanity living below 8,000 feet, serving as the central threat in the film.

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The takeaway

While 'Elevation' doesn't offer any groundbreaking new ideas in the post-apocalyptic/monster movie genre, its brisk pacing, solid craftsmanship, and strong performances from the cast help elevate the film above its familiar tropes, providing an entertaining sci-fi thriller that explores humanity's struggle for survival against a new apex predator.