In this future, Earth is a harsh and unforgiving place, where the majority of humanity resides in slums and suffers from diseases, poverty, and crime. Meanwhile, the rich have escaped to Elysium, a pristine, artificial habitat orbiting the Earth. Elysium is a paradise that boasts clean air, advanced technology, and automated medical devices that can cure any disease, making it a utopia for its inhabitants. However, the divide between the wealthy on Elysium and the poor on Earth has grown wider, creating a deep class divide.

Max DeCosta (played by Matt Damon) is a former car thief who lives in the overcrowded and polluted slums of Earth. After being exposed to toxic radiation during an accident at his factory job, Max learns that he only has five days to live. His only hope for survival is to reach Elysium, where the medical technology can save him. However, getting there is no simple task. The space station is heavily guarded, and access is strictly limited to Elysium’s elite residents.

Desperate to save his life, Max agrees to a dangerous mission that could get him to Elysium. He is outfitted with an exoskeleton that enhances his physical strength and combat abilities, making him a more formidable force. His mission is to infiltrate Elysium, steal sensitive data, and transfer the wealth of the elite to the people on Earth. Along the way, he crosses paths with the powerful and ruthless Secretary Delacourt (played by Jodie Foster), who is determined to protect the status quo and prevent any change to the system that benefits the elite.

As Max’s mission unfolds, he becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive system. His actions set off a chain reaction that threatens to alter the balance of power between Elysium and Earth. Max must confront his past and make difficult choices as he fights not only for his own survival but also for the future of those left behind on Earth.