Review of Downsizing (2017) by Samuel G — 23 Mar 2018

While the original idea had some potential and notable actors in the production, the end result a lot to be desired. The movie seemed to not be able to settle on what it wanted to be, advertising itself as a carefree film about the wonders of technology. After thirty minutes, the tone changes to a dramatic film, following the protagonist after things take a bad turn in his new world. The film continues to change its tone throughout the movie, leaving this audience member puzzled.

Along with the change in tone, important characters are introduced to quickly to develop believable characters and relationships. The interactions with the protagonist are forced, and often the dialogue is disjointed. In one scene, a character's tone changes so quickly that I am surprised I didn't get whiplash.

The message/theme of the film is disguised from the beginning, leading viewers to believe it may be a film about a new world due to technological advances, then switches to a man being forced to begin again. However, the message of the story is ultimately that society is destroying the world, and even shrinking yourself down to 5 inches to take up less resources won't be enough. While there were hints about the theme throughout the movie, it is literally background info. The moral of the story is delivered very heavy-handedly, almost becoming preachy.

Basically, the film didn't seem to know what it wanted to say or accomplish.