Downsizing: A Small Movie With Big Ambitions.

Alexander Payne most certainly has made one of the most interesting film of 2017. An unconventional social satire that depicts our current society and the struggles of every day life. Ever since the buzz of this film started at Venice, I have been keeping a close eye on it. The final product did not disappoint me and I had a lot of fun with the movie. Alexander Payne manages to find a great tone but struggles to maintain the main themes throughout the movie.

The movie follows Paul (Matt Damon) an occupational therapist who lives with his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) in a run-down neighborhood. In the same time, a newly-invented procedure is discovered to shrink the human body to 5 inches tall. People who shrink themselves (in the movie its referred to as Downsizing) live in wealth, in experimental communities. The couple decide to "downsize" but his wife refuses the procedure at the last minute, and he is left to reassess his life and choices after befriending an impoverished activist.

The movie opens a doorway to human and satirical themes that the main characters have to face throughout the movie. The film itself offers audience a look at the modern society values that the characters often presume as bootless and inhumane. Payne conveys a very special message to the modern society by displaying the common values and thinking of people. The film raises issues such as racism, human trafficking, modern hierarchy, equality, poverty, family problems, and the unethical treatment of people in the modern society. Downsizing manages to reach the audience through the portrayal of everyday people in big decision-making situations.

Matt Damon gives a very emotional performance throughout the movie and the audience root for his character and the choices he makes. Christoph Waltz, who plays the activist Paul meets, portrays the rich, spoiled but compassionate part of society. The person who stood out for me was the funniest character in the movie. Hong Chau, who plays the cleaner Paul meets, she gives one of the funniest performances of last year. Her Golden Globe nomination is well deserved.

Even though the movie itself is a triumph on every level, the second act of the movie seemed as a bit of stretch. Towards the end, the movie seems to lose the grasp on the themes but does end on an optimistic tone.

Over all, Downsizing is good execution in drama/comedy genre with an interesting premise and equally important issues.

Score: 6.1/10

55/100

#Downsizing #MattDamon #AlexanderPayne