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Some films just aren’t understood when they hit theaters for the first time. But thanks to streaming platforms, they can be resurrected for audience and critical reevaluation.

One such film is Elysium, a dystopian sci-fi thriller film starring Matt Damon and from the director of the Academy Award-nominated District 9, Neill Blomkamp.

Blomkamp’s follow-up film to District 9 didn’t do nearly as well at the time, but it’s more than worth your time now.

Watch With Us breaks down why Elysium needs to be your next Netflix viewing.

Stop! And Watch This Underrated Movie on Netflix Before It Leaves in September 2025

It Features an Amazing Performance From Matt Damon

In Elysium, the Good Will Hunting actor plays Max De Costa, an ex-con on parole who has been given five days to live. Max lives in a ravaged, dystopian wasteland version of Earth in the year 2154, in which environmental degradation has taken its toll and the planet’s citizens live in extreme squalor, while more privileged individuals get to live on a luxury space shuttle called “Elysium.” He agrees to a plan in which he must steal information in exchange for a ride to Elysium, where he can be treated.

As Max, Damon is in top form as this atypical version of a hero. His character wields a determination and grit that comes through in Damon’s performance seamlessly, paired with his ability to ground his character amidst the otherwise fantastical conditions of his situation. Damon has always excelled at characters that are “normal guys,” and he imbues Max with that particular personality in just the right ways, instilling within him a clear pathos and sense of morals.

The Story Is Totally Enthralling

The plot of Elysium follows Max as he struggles to get to the safety of the titular luxury space shuttle to save his life. In the 22nd century, Earth’s inhabitants are broken up into two classes: those who can get into Elysium, and those who cannot, forced to live in squalid conditions on a deeply polluted Earth. Max agrees to a scheme in which he must steal information from an Elysium citizen, and in exchange, he’ll receive a ride to the shuttle where his life-threatening illness can be cured.

However, Max’s health is rapidly declining, requiring that he be ensconced in a protective exoskeleton in order to keep him alive to complete the mission. The film’s narrative is not only a fast-paced, race-against-the-clock thriller, but it’s also a compelling story anchored by resonating themes. Thus, this far-fetched science fiction story bears real-world truths, which add depth and complexity to a plot that might otherwise be a run-of-the-mill sci-fi flick in worse hands.

The Themes Are Smart and Evergreen

Elysium is far from being a guns-blazing action flick with nothing on its mind. The guns are indeed blazing, but just as District 9 had a lot to say about social issues of discrimination and colonialism, Elysium carries social commentary related to capitalism, class consciousness, health care, worker exploitation and overpopulation.

These ideas are just as relevant now as they were over a decade ago, and Elysium very successfully conveys the struggles and anxieties of our current moment. The best kinds of films have both a lot to say and a lot to show, and a truly successful motion picture will leave you with a lot to think about just as well as it leaves you on the edge of your seat. Elysium definitely succeeds at doing both.

‘Elysium’ Is Also a Thrilling Action Film With Great Effects

Elysium handily features some of the best action sequences in a sci-fi film to come out in the past fifteen years, with impressive choreography and CGI animation that look seamless with the rest of the film. In particular, the robots in the film move with striking fluidity — but that’s not surprising, considering the way the robots looked in District 9. Blomkamp is a director who has a great grasp of utilizing top-notch special effects.

14 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix Right Now (September 2025)

In the end, even if for some reason you don’t quite vibe with Elysium’s themes or storytelling, you can’t deny that it’s an excellent popcorn film with kinetic action sequences that leave you on pins and needles and totally breathless.

Watch Elysium now on Netflix.

The post Netflix Just Added This Criminally Underrated Sci-Fi Movie With Matt Damon appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPos)-All of Malawi’s former Heads of State are expected to grace the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President-Elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Stadium this Saturday.

Secretary to the Treasury, Hetherwick Njati, who also serves on the inauguration committee, told reporters in Blantyre on Thursday that preparations for the historic event are almost complete.

He described the ceremony as a national milestone that will not only usher in Malawi’s 7th President but also demonstrate the strength of its democratic institutions.

“This inauguration is more than just a swearing-in. It is a national celebration of democracy and we are pleased that all our former Presidents will stand together to mark this occasion,” said Njati.

Njati assured the public that the program would follow strict protocol, with proper security, seating and logistical arrangements for both dignitaries and ordinary Malawians attending the event.

He further disclosed that viewing centres have been set up in Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Mangochi to allow citizens across the country to be part of the occasion.

The ceremony is also expected to attract high-profile guests from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond, highlighting Malawi’s growing diplomatic ties.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs hinted that leaders from Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania may be among those expected to attend.

All former leaders, including Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda and Lazarus Chakwera, will send a strong message of reconciliation and continuity, especially at a time when the nation seeks to consolidate peace and stability after a hotly contested election.

Vendors and local businesses in Blantyre are also anticipating economic benefits as thousands are expected to throng the commercial city for the event.

Accommodation facilities are reportedly near full capacity, while transport operators have already increased routes to cater for rising demand.

Security agencies, including the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force, are reported to be on high alert with joint operations in place to ensure safety before during and after the ceremony.

Njati urged Malawians from all walks of life to witness what he described as a “rare and unifying moment” in the nation’s history.

“This is not just the President’s day, but a day for all Malawians to reflect on where we are coming from and where we are going as a democratic nation,” he added.

The post Former Presidents to share stage at Mutharika’s historic inauguration appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Andy Beshear is widely popular in red state Kentucky and he’s considering a run for president. The Democratic governor sat for an interview with NPR’s Steve Inskeep and talked about the federal government shutdown, political divisions, tariffs and a lot more.

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This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne and Julie Depenbrock. We get engineering support from Jay Czys. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Political analyst George Phiri has urged the newly elected president Peter Mutharika to prioritize expertise over political loyalty when appointing cabinet ministers.

He emphasized that Malawi’s economic and development challenges demand leaders with the right skills and professional competence.

Phiri argued that relying on political loyalists often leads to inefficiency, as such individuals tend to prioritize party interests over the needs of the citizens.

He stressed that cabinet appointments must be guided by a sense of national duty rather than political calculations.

According to Phiri, key ministries such as Agriculture, Education, Health, and Finance require leaders with technical knowledge and practical experience.

He observed that when politicians without expertise are appointed, they often struggle to implement meaningful reforms.

By contrast, he said, professionals bring solutions that are evidence-based and designed to address the real needs of the people.

Phiri further urged the president to form a government that listens to the voices of Malawians rather than focusing solely on the views of ministers or political elites.

“A listening government is what the people desire,” he said.

He added that professionals view leadership as a service rooted in integrity, knowledge, and accountability.

“That is what Malawi needs now if it is to move forward,” Phiri stressed.

He concluded that professionalism and integrity must form the cornerstone of cabinet appointments.

Phiri noted that without such an approach, Malawi risks repeating the cycle of failed governance and missed opportunities for genuine development.

He insisted that the moment demands reform-minded leaders who can drive change through competence rather than patronage.

As the new administration prepares to announce its first cabinet, Malawians await to see whether the president will heed Phiri’s advice and usher in a team capable of delivering the reforms the nation urgently needs.

The post “Cabinet appointments must be based expertise over politics”-Analyst George Phiri tells Mutharika appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Julia Roberts gushed over her children as she gave a rare glimpse into her family life.

Appearing on the Wednesday, October 1 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the actress, 57, shared what it was like being a mom now that her kids are all grown up and out of the house. (Roberts shares twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 20, and son Henry, 18, with husband Danny Moder, 56.)

“It’s all fun. Honestly it is all so delicious and my kids… I know everyone thinks their kids are great … well. I think my kids are great,” she said. “I just love hanging out with them and spending time with them and fortunately we have had lots of visits along the way of this emptiness.”

For her late night talk show appearance, Roberts wore a suit that honored the one she wore to the Golden Globes in the 90s. The 1990 Armani outfit also has a special connection to Roberts’ family.

Julia Roberts Celebrates ‘Wild Rumpus of Life’ With Throwback Pic of Twins

Speaking to Extra on September 30, Roberts revealed that not only does she still have the outfit, her son Henry “just had it on the other day.”

During the interview, she recalled how she initially tried on clothes in Armani’s women’s section before heading to the men’s department where she found the suit that would go on to be ojne of her most memorable red carpet outfits.

“And I went upstairs to the men’s department. I remember I put the suit on and I loved it,” she said. “I was very taken with myself.”

Roberts married Moder in 2002 at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico. The couple had met two years prior on the set of the 2000 film The Mexican.

The Pretty Woman star told CBS Mornings in 2022 that she adores the life she shares with her husband and kids.

“The life that I’ve built with my husband, the life that we’ve built with our children [is a dream come true],” she said. “And that’s the best stuff, to come home at the end of the day triumphantly to them.”

Julia Roberts Shares Rare Photo of Son Henry on His 18th Birthday

While Roberts and Moder are generally pretty private about their family life, the Erin Brockovich star divulged in an interview with 72 Magazine on September 10 that pair were relatively strict parents when raising their kids.

“I think they were, for sure, some of the last kids in their peer groups to get phones and stuff like that. When they were younger, certainly, Danny and I would have been considered some of the stricter parents,” she said. “Not like we’re laying down the law, but these are the rules and they don’t change. Here’s the boundary of your life and it does not shift. You know, you don’t ask me and get an answer and then go ask dad and get a different answer. That doesn’t happen. It will never happen.”

She added, “I think that is what creates the stability that then allows them to feel secure because you know there is this fixed world of love and safety that exists unconditionally.”

The post Julia Roberts Makes Rare Comment About Her 3 Adult Children appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Todd Chrisley has admitted he was not a fan of daughter Savannah airing their family’s dirty laundry on TV.

Speaking on the Wednesday, October 1 episode of the “Chrisley Confessions 2.0.” podcast, Todd said he would have preferred the drama between Savannah her grandfather, Harvey Hughes, to stay private.

“Well, I look at it from the perspective of and, and you know, when I say this, you’re going to know that, because I’ve already said it, I feel like some situation less is more, right?”  Todd, 56, told his wife Julie, 52.

He added, “And you know that I was not in favor once I found out that this had been aired on, and she had said some of the things she’d said.”

Todd Chrisley Says It’s ‘Heartbreaking’ Watching His Kids Fight on New Show

Todd explained that he thought Savannah, 28, should have dealt with her issues with her grandfather, who is Julie’s father, off-air, out of respect for her mother.

“If you want to call him out for, you know, not being there for you and not being the grandfather that he should have been then, that should have been done off air but it wasn’t my choice,” he continued. “I don’t get to make it. I don’t get to feel hurt. I don’t know how she feels, I know how she says that she feels… that everything was done for Chase, nothing was done for her, right?”

While he would have preferred his family members to be more discreet when butting heads, Todd did admit it was true that Hughes did favor Savannah’s brother Chase, 29, over her while the siblings were growing up.

 “It really has been that way her whole life, right? And so I think that that’s accumulated from childhood, because, let’s just face it, your dad is not noted for building women up. Your dad is from a whole other different generation.”

Tension was evident during the premiere episode of Lifetime’s The Chrisleys: Back to Reality that aired in September.

Hughes seemingly had issues with the way Savannah dealt with her parents being released from prison following a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in May. (Todd and Julie had been serving prison sentences for bank fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion.)

During the episode’s interaction, a frustrated Savannah was seen mouthing the words, “I hate him!”

Inside the Chrisley Family Dynamic After Todd and Julie Went to Prison

For her part, Julie shared in the podcast how hard it is to see her daughter and father at odds, admitting she feels “sad” about the bad blood.

“Because that is my dad, and that is my daughter. You know, as you said throughout this last podcast and this one, everybody processes their pain differently,” she said. “I hope that they can come to common ground, and I hope that they can find a place, because that is her grandfather, that is his granddaughter. So I’m very conflicted about it, so I have truly been in prayer over it.”

Julie added that she can also understand why Savannah feels the way she feels about Hughes.

“I feel like there’s some validity in it, because, and I think my dad was up front, he said, ‘You know, I have. I have failed you,” Julie said.

The post Todd Chrisley Was ‘Not in Favor’ of Savannah Airing Their Family Drama appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Yusuf Mkungula has urged those scheduled to attend Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from 10th to 21st November 2025, to be organised and speak with one voice.

Dr Mkungula said this in Lilongwe on Thursday during the second National Stakeholders preparatory meeting.

He said the 30th Session of the Conference of Parties has the unique benefit of building on the significant outcomes of COP 29, with the Global Stocktake outcomes clearly highlighting the need for more ambitious national targets, whilst noting that there is a significant gap in achieving the 1.5 Degrees Celsius temperature target.

“For Malawi, as a climate-vulnerable Least Developed Country, COP 30 is a platform to ensure our voice is heard and our priorities include: climate finance, adaptation ambition, loss and damage, just energy transition, and nature-based solutions.

“It is due to this spirit that we have successfully chaired the Least-Developed Countries (LDC) Group since 2024, and I would like to encourage all to invoke the same spirit as we attend COP 30 to make our voice heard as Malawi, and as a member of the LDC group, as well as the African Group all falling into the group of G77 and China,” said Dr Mkungula.

The Principal Secretary encouraged participants to approach COP 30 with a full understanding of Malawi’s position, national priorities, challenges, and gaps as they participate in the negotiations and various multilateral and bilateral engagements.

Rabi Gaudo, UNDP’s Resilience and Sustainable Growth Portfolio Manager, commended the Government of Malawi for its strong leadership in coordinating national climate action, which is the very foundation upon which global climate ambition is built.

Gaudo said the preparatory meeting is a vital step in ensuring that Malawi enters the negotiations with a unified, coherent, and impactful voice.

“The impacts of climate change on Malawi are profound and far-reaching. Increasingly frequent droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns continue to erode hard-won development gains, threaten food security, and deepen socio-economic inequalities.

“These effects weigh most heavily on the most vulnerable among women, young people, and marginalised communities. As we look toward COP30, our shared task is clear: to turn commitments into concrete, sustainable action,” he said.

Gaudo added that Malawi must move beyond negotiating positions alone and ensure that climate action is visible, measurable, and transformative, adding that solutions being championed must be inclusive, equitable, and innovative, ensuring that no one is left behind.

He added,” COP30 represents a critical milestone in global climate diplomacy. It will set the trajectory for the next decade of climate action, guided by the enhanced ambition of the third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

“For Malawi, this is an opportunity not only to present its revised NDCs but also to show how our strategies are both aligned with global targets and rooted in national realities”.

The post Upbeat for Malawi ahead Brazil’s COP30 summit appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Hailey Bieber and Rosé dressed to impress in these satin ensembles, but which lovely lady has you sweatin’? Hailey’s rockin’ the yellow, while Rosé is too cute in blue! The question here is: Who’d You Rather?!

The post Hailey Bieber vs. Rosé Who’d You Rather?! (Satin Stars Edition) appeared first on The Maravi Post.

The 911 audio of the Iryna Zarutska fatal stabbing aboard a North Carolina train captures the sheer horror right after the unprovoked attack … with callers seemingly resigned to the fact she was already dead. TMZ obtained the audio recording of…

The post Horrifying 911 Audio of Iryna Zarutska Stabbing, Witness Saw Ton of Blood appeared first on The Maravi Post.

President Trump’s budget director is canceling billions in projects and threatening mass layoffs as the White House uses the government shutdown to push for deeper spending cuts. The shutdown’s ripple effects are spreading nationwide, with key federal services slowing or stopping. And in Gaza, Israel has issued a final evacuation order, warning that anyone who remains in Gaza City will be treated as a militant as Hamas considers changes to Trump’s ceasefire plan.

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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty

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