Anthony Mackie’s "Elevation" Gains Popularity on Prime Video
Anthony Mackie’s latest film, "Elevation," a 2024 action thriller, hit Prime Video in February, and it’s currently the number four movie on the platform’s Top 10 list. Despite its rocky start at the box office, "Elevation" has managed to draw in audiences and keep them engaged. It initially premiered early in 2025, but word-of-mouth has given it a second chance to shine.
In addition to "Elevation," Prime Video’s popular movies include titles like "A Working Man" (2025), "Oppenheimer" (2023), "Anyone But You" (2023), "Kuberaa" (2025), "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" (2023), "Redemption Day" (2021), "Follow" (2015), "The Accountant 2" (2025), and "Heads of State" (2025).
A Gripping Premise
What’s intriguing about "Elevation" is its captivating storyline that might appeal to fans of thrillers like "A Quiet Place" and HBO’s "The Last of Us." The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by deadly creatures known as Reapers. Mackie plays a single father who must venture out to procure essential medical supplies for his son. Alongside two other survivors, they embark on a journey to retrieve what they need from an abandoned hospital. The catch is that they must leave their Rocky Mountain home and travel below “The Line,” a dangerous area where the Reapers are known to lurk.
Box Office Struggles
Despite its engaging narrative and a dedicated audience, "Elevation" struggled at the box office. Released alongside other films like "Heretic," "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," "Weekend in Taipei," and "Anora," it premiered in only 1,416 U.S. theaters and managed to rake in just $1.2 million during its opening weekend. With an $18 million budget, the film only grossed $3.6 million globally. While critics were lukewarm, giving it a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score was a much more favorable 80%.
Many films can flop in theaters yet find success on streaming platforms. For instance, the 2017 thriller "The Snowman" had a disappointing box office run but skyrocketed to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list in April 2023. Various factors could cause a movie to underperform during its initial release, such as poor marketing or unfavorable timing.
Insight from Anthony Mackie
In a recent interview with The Denver Post, Mackie opened up about filming "Elevation" in Boulder, Colorado. He described the town as isolated and "myopic" in its way of life and community values. This environment, he mentioned, significantly enhanced his performance in the film. Mackie also discussed how the isolation experienced during the shoot contributed to the authenticity of his character.
Conclusion
In summary, Anthony Mackie’s "Elevation" is an action-packed thriller that, despite having a tough start at the box office, has successfully found its footing on streaming platforms like Prime Video. Its unique premise and engaging atmosphere resonate with many viewers, showcasing how a film can rebound and gain popularity long after its theatrical release. Mackie’s insights into the filming process only add to the appreciation of this underrated action flick. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, "Elevation" might just be worth your time.
