Elysium is a 2013 American science fiction film directed by Neill Blomkamp. It is set in a future where Earth is overpopulated and polluted, while the wealthy live aboard a space station called Elysium. In the year 2154, Elysium's defense secretary uses mercenaries to prevent immigrants from reaching Elysium to access medical technology that can cure diseases. An accident leaves ex-con Max radiation-poisoned, and he seeks a way to reach Elysium's advanced medical facilities before he dies. He undergoes modifications to infiltrate Elysium and access a program that can change citizenship designations.