The Matt Damon Dystopian Sci-Fi Movie On Netflix That Needs A Prequel

By Steven Nelson | Published

matt damon

Delve into a dystopian future where the chasm between the elite and the impoverished has reached its pinnacle. In Elysium, directed by Neill Blomkamp, Matt Damon takes on a role that challenges not just his physical endurance but also confronts the moral dilemmas of a society divided. As Earth lies in ruins, the privileged reside on a luxurious space station, Elysium, away from the desolation below. 

Matt Damon stars in the big-budget dystopian sci-fi movie Elysium streaming on Netflix

But when destiny propels one man to challenge this order, viewers are thrust into a thrilling tale of resilience, revolution, and the quest for equality. Join Damon in a narrative that transcends the realm of science fiction, hinting at contemporary socio-political issues, now available for streaming on Netflix.

matt damon

In the year 2154, Earth is overpopulated, polluted, and in decay. The wealthy elite have fled the planet’s surface chaos to live on Elysium, a luxurious, technologically advanced space habitat orbiting the Earth.

On Elysium, medical machines can cure any ailment, ensuring its inhabitants lead a life of comfort and longevity. Meanwhile, those left on Earth suffer from poverty, crime, and disease.

Matt Damon plays Max Da Costa, a former car thief now working in a Los Angeles factory that manufactures droids for Elysium. After an industrial accident exposes him to lethal radiation, Max is left with only five days to live.

Matt Damon plays Max Da Costa, a former car thief now working in a Los Angeles factory that manufactures droids for Elysium

Desperate for a cure, he agrees to a risky plan to steal valuable financial information from an Elysium citizen, which could also help bridge the stark inequalities between Earth and Elysium.

Equipped with a powerful exoskeleton to enhance his physical abilities, Max becomes a threat to Secretary Delacourt, a hardline government official on Elysium, played by Jodie Foster. Delacourt is determined to uphold the exclusivity of Elysium and will go to any lengths to stop Max and the information he carries.

As Max embarks on his mission, he becomes intertwined with his childhood love, Frey (played by Alice Braga), and her sick daughter, who desperately needs the medical care Elysium provides. The lines between personal survival and the greater good blur as Max confronts the profound disparities of his world and challenges the status quo.

Elysium delves deep into themes of class warfare, immigration, and healthcare, using the backdrop of a sci-fi thriller to comment on pressing contemporary issues.

Matt Damon’s Elysium Deserves A Prequel Movie

Elysium, with its richly textured universe and stark disparities, offers an ample canvas for storytelling. The allure of a prequel to this movie lies in the opportunity to explore the events that led to such a bifurcated society. How did Earth deteriorate to such an extent? What decisions, technologies, and events paved the way for the creation of Elysium?

The evolution of the space habitat itself would be a compelling story arc. From its inception to its construction and eventual inhabitance by the elite, the narrative can delve into the technological marvels, the political maneuvers, and the moral quandaries faced by its creators. 

There’s also the intriguing question of who got a ticket to this haven and why. The choices made in the selection process would be rife with drama, ethical dilemmas, and power plays.

Furthermore, the relationship between Earth and Elysium, even before the events of the main film, must have been fraught with tensions. How did the masses on Earth initially react to the concept of Elysium?

Were there resistance movements or early attempts to breach the divide? Exploring the dynamics between the elite and those left behind, in the years leading up to Max’s story, would shed light on the societal fractures and the human cost of such segregation.

What was life like for a young Max growing up in a decaying Earth? How did Frey’s life trajectory lead her to become a nurse?

Matt Damon’s character, Max, and others introduced in Elysium had their backstories, which could be touched upon. What was life like for a young Max growing up in a decaying Earth? How did Frey’s life trajectory lead her to become a nurse? These individual stories, woven into the larger tapestry of a society on the brink, would add depth and dimension to the Elysium universe.

In essence, a prequel to Elysium holds the promise of a rich, multifaceted narrative. It would not only serve as a thrilling sci-fi adventure but also a poignant commentary on the choices societies make, the divisions they foster, and the lengths individuals go to in seeking a better life.

Elysium, with Matt Damon at the helm, is a gripping tale of resilience, rebellion, and the quest for a better life amidst glaring inequalities. It paints a dystopian future, but also highlights the indomitable human spirit. 

As it streams on Netflix, it beckons viewers to reflect on our current trajectories and the kind of future we envision for ourselves. A cinematic treat with profound undertones, Elysium remains a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and socio-political commentators alike.