Is Downsizing Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Downsizing is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 135 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Downsizing Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Downsizing emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Science Fiction, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A kindly occupational therapist undergoes a new procedure to be shrunken to four inches tall so that he and his wife can help save the planet and afford a nice lifestyle at the same time. Unlike standard genre fare, Downsizing attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Downsizing features a noteworthy lineup led by Matt Damon . Supported by the likes of Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Downsizing (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Downsizing Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Downsizing is a Drama, Science Fiction, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A kindly occupational therapist undergoes a new procedure to be shrunken to four inches tall so that he and his wife can help save the planet and afford a nice lifestyle at the same time. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Downsizing Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Downsizing attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Downsizing reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Downsizing?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Downsizing Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $68.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $55.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Downsizing Budget
The estimated production budget for Downsizing is $68.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Downsizing
- Matt Damon – Paul Safranek
- Christoph Waltz – Dusan Mirkovic
- Hong Chau – Ngoc Lan Tran
- Kristen Wiig – Audrey Safranek
- Rolf Lassgård – Dr. Jorgen Asbjørnsen
Top Highlights
Matt DamonPaul Safranek
Christoph WaltzDusan Mirkovic
Hong ChauNgoc Lan Tran
Kristen WiigAudrey Safranek
Rolf LassgårdDr. Jorgen Asbjørnsen
Ingjerd EgebergAnne-Helene Asbjørnsen
Udo KierKonrad
Søren PilmarkDr. Andreas Jacobsen
Jason SudeikisDave Johnson
Maribeth MonroeCarol Johnson
Where to Watch Downsizing Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Downsizing is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Downsizing stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downsizing movie hit or flop?
Downsizing has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Downsizing worth watching?
Downsizing is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Science Fiction, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Downsizing online?
Downsizing may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Downsizing
Really weird and pointless movie. He decides to become small but then that's pretty much it. After he has the operation there's really nothing else interesting about the movie after that. I give it a 4 just cause the Vietnamize lady had me cracking up.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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