Director and screenwriter Alexander Payne knows how to make people laugh and cringe at the same time. He’s made a career out of uncomfortable situations (see Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, and Nebraska).
Payne’s latest film, Downsizing, follows Matt Damon’s Paul Safranek and Kristin Wiig’s Audrey Safranek as they attempt to lessen their environmental impact (and increase their spending power) by shrinking themselves down to size. The premise promises a satirical examination of the “plight” of the white upper-class, as they grapple with the guilt of overconsumption and the allure of privilege.
Although a bit of a detour from Payne’s typically grounded past work, Downsizing, from the little we’ve seen in the teaser, appears to fuse Black Mirror with Payne’s trademark dark humor and cutting wit. The film co-stars Brigette Lundy-Paine, Christoph Waltz, Laura Dern, Jason Sudeikis, Hong Chau, and Neil Patrick Harris. The Hollywood Reporter praised Downsizing after its Venice premiere.
Downsizing hits theaters Dec. 22.
Watch the teaser below.
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