TIFF Review: Downsizing

In an effort to solve economic and environmental issues a man shrinks himself to 1/5 of his size with mixed results.

A scientific breakthrough results in the ability to shrink people to 1/5 of their size which is seen as the means to greatly reduce global waste.  The sensation leads to the establishment of miniature communities and attracts the attention of Paul (Matt Damon) and Audrey Safranek (Kristen Wigg) who decide to go through with the procedure known as ‘downsizing’.

Two movies are in play with the first act setting up the whole scientific premise for the shrinking technology, and the rest deals with the story of an immigrant and the end of the world.  The former is the most intriguing aspect and the visual effects dealing with the shrunken characters in the normal world are handled in a believable fashion.  The performances of the cast are serviceable but nothing remarkable.  The social commentary comes across as being heavy-handed, thereby, lessening the impact of the message.

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.