Movie night: “Downsizing” Review

Valentine’s day is almost here. Some people celebrate and some not, but I bet all of us feel we would love to at least have a choice to go out on a date or not. Let me tell you, date night at home is not so bad. He he, please don’t throw stones at me for saying that! If, like us, you have young kids then, like us, you might remember finding childcare, booking a restaurant, and once out discovering that you are so exhausted, that you have no energy to talk and no single thought in your head. We had a couple of dates when we quietly ate our dinner and went home early being too tired for the night we imagined we could have. Compared to that, cosying up on the sofa, having a glass of wine, watching a movie, and stopping it if needed to finish another day seems actually like a good alternative. So here is a review of a movie we watched on one of our “home dates” - “Downsizing“.

I don’t want to leave any spoilers, so here is the link to the trailer, and below are my thoughts on the movie without giving away too much.

Idea

The movie has a provoking solution of “downsizing“ to the climate change issue. It made me question what do I think of that and would I be interested to do that. I liked that “thinking outside the box” feeling I got when I thought of the idea in the movie and so it’s a good start.

Twists and plot

Then the first twist comes. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect it. And I like when the movie has unexpected twists. There is work, life, dates, love, fun, parties, hangover, science, saving the planet, and saving yourself, all in one movie. And there is Matt Damon, I like him. The plot unfolds with a good mixture of story and humor without being over the top comedy but keeping it lighthearted for an enjoyable watch on a date night.

Characters

There are diverse characters in the movie. I found all of them interesting in their way and the interactions interesting too. My favorite to observe was Dušan Mirković (Christoph Waltz). I wasn’t sure what to expect from him and if he was going to be a “good“ or “bad“ character from the time he appeared. It turned out the movie doesn’t have good or bad characters, but characters to follow and observe, and I found it fun to follow him in the plot. Ngoc Lan (Hong Chau) was brilliant too.

After taste

It was still on my mind for a couple of next days, reminding me about the issue world still needs to solve. But also because of that unusual solution idea even if not realistic. And for enjoyable to watch characters as well.

Bonus

Stunning views of Nordic fjords to enjoy!

Conclusion

“Downsizing“ may not qualify for an outstanding movie, but it’s a good movie. It’s is light enough to watch on a date, but not at all the usual comedy. I loved that combination, I also found the movie captivating and had a very enjoyable evening watching it. Would I watch it over and over again? I definitely wouldn’t mind giving a company to someone who hasn’t watched it yet. But at the same time, I feel it gave it all on the first view.

Happy Valentines!