movie review | Downsizing

Hello everyone and hello 2018! 

It has been a while since I last posted and I have missed writing to you all via Kaleidoscope of Fashion. We have a lot to catch up on (will post about it separately) but for my first post of 2018, I wanted to share with you my very first movie review about the new blockbuster Downsizing. Hope you enjoy reading this review and let me know of any thoughts below in the comments section! 

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What is it about?

Middle-classed couple Paul & Audrey become intrigued by a scientific development commonly known as "downsizing", where human beings can become miniature-sized beings and live in a Utopian world known as Leisureland. 

What is it actually about? 

**MINOR SPOILERS ALERT - don't worry I am not spoiling the plot**

In a nutshell - the advancement of science for the benefit of mankind, for the purpose of preserving the Earth and its resources and preventing further environmental damage. This long description is just the starting premises of the film (which already contains mammoth topics that are worthy of unpacking in separate films). You can imagine the pace of the film then in trying to squeeze these big topics (plus more) into just over 2 hours! 

There's also a sci-fi element to this film, especially in its sometimes vivid depiction of the "downsizing" process where we see almost a step-by-step transformation of characters who undergo this procedure which is akin to a rebirth. There's even a comedic moment where we see the hesitation in our main characters agreeing to what is essentially a death waiver if the procedure goes awry, highlighting that even in a Utopian world, the desire to avoid legal liability still lingers.

 Many of the reviews describe this as a satire, and the whole film does feel like a mish-mash of social commentary, with topics ranging from the desire to "keep up with the Joneses", to the presence of humanitarian efforts and people-smuggling practices (again big topics!). 

The concept of being "wealthy" and aiming for a certain lifestyle also runs as an undercurrent throughout the film, driving the actions of many of the characters that are sprinkled throughout the story line. In fact, all we initially see in Leisureland are people swapping a middle-class lifestyle in normal-sized world for gigantic mansions and glamorous parties in miniature world until the story unfolds to show us that poverty and wealth inequality are still present in "utopia". 

What I liked 

The actual concept of "downsizing" for the purposes of preserving resources and minimising waste is quite interesting. At the same time, we also see the multiplication of wealth (e.g. $125K in normal-sized world converts into to $12.5 million in miniature world) and the mind-boggling impact on one's lifestyle. I also walked away from this film with Norway at the top of my travel list!

What I disliked

The pace of the film felt rushed at times, and topics that were otherwise worthy of further exploration were reduced to one or two lines in the script (e.g. the potential economic inequality between normal-sized people vs miniature people). Other boring moments felt drawn out. There were also some big names in the cast that were given only minimal screen time. 

Fashion moments 

Styling of the characters were pretty basic but kudos to Kristen Wiig for rocking this cute yellow turtleneck! 

Worth seeing? 

YES - if you're into satires with a little bit of black humour and little bit of sci-fi thinking. 

Until next time!

xoxo