Review of Downsizing (2017) by Brian S — 12 Jan 2018

The disappointment that derives from 2017s Downsizing comes on many fronts. One being that director Alexander Payne has attempted to get this off the ground since he finished his (amazing) 2004 road (and wine) movie Sideways, with years of anticipation to be met.

Another is that Payne is a unique voice, giving us memorable films from 1999s Election, 2002s About Schmidt to 2011s The Descendants-all having a sensible place, narrative and wit, showcasing a director that should be heard.

Another is that original and unique ideas are dropping off like flies and a film like Downsizing should be embraced. Unfortunately, it seems like the years that it took for this to get going have showcased an example of arrested development.

Written by Payne and Jim Taylor (the two wrote Sideways, among other projects), what starts off with a unique idea that touches many problems facing American culture today (one being how can the average American afford to make ends meet and still have a comfortable lifestyle?), the film centers on the notion that people have the irreversible option of literally "downsizing" their bodies to the size of a small toy with all of their finances multiplying in value as they won't be as wasteful compared to normal sized people.

Similar to the way the script is written, Payne and Taylor never really explore the ideas they present, instead jumping onto another half-baked idea, then the next, etc. It results in a frustrating experience with no-one to truly root for (Matt Damon's character Paul is an unambitious "protagonist" that is always told what to do.

.. even at the end), weird tonal shifts and social commentary that isn't even creative in the way it is presented, resulting in Downsizing a film with big ideas but with poor execution.