Living Small: The Future of Shrunken Humans

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Experiment at the Edvardsen Institute
3. The Impacts of Global Warming
4. The Downsizing Program Gains Popularity
5. Paul Safranek's Decision to Downsize
6. Life in Leisureland
7. Audrey's Last Minute Decision
8. Paul's New Life and Struggles
9. Paul's Encounter with Ngoplan Chun
10. Paul's Journey to Norway and the First Colony
11. The Methane Release and the Irreversible Damage
12. Paul's Decision to Join the Colony
13. The Vault for Humanity's Survival
14. Paul's Love for Noplan Chun
15. Conclusion

Downsizing: Exploring a Tiny World

Introduction

In the year 2017, the movie "Downsizing" took audiences on a journey into a world where humans could shrink themselves to a fraction of their original size. It all started with an experiment at the Edvardsen Institute, where a groundbreaking discovery was made. This article dives into the plot of the movie and explores the various themes and events surrounding the concept of downsizing.

The Experiment at the Edvardsen Institute

The film begins with the excitement of Dr. Jorgen and Andreas, two scientists at the Edvardsen Institute, as they discuss the success of their experiment. The experiment involved shrinking organic material to a cellular level, resulting in tiny human beings. The procedure was deemed safe and volunteers, including Dr. Jorgen's wife, underwent the process.

The Impacts of Global Warming

Andreas presents the downsizing initiative to a global audience, highlighting its potential to address the issues of global warming and resource shortage. As downsized individuals Consume fewer resources, the ads promoting downsizing urge everyone to live in the smallest possible way to save the world and live a better life.

The Downsizing Program Gains Popularity

Paul Safranek, a viewer of the downsizing ads, is intrigued by the concept and attends a leisureland conference with his wife Audrey. They are mesmerized by the luxurious lifestyle depicted in the downsized community. Impressed by the financial benefits, they decide to downsize themselves as well.

Paul Safranek's Decision to Downsize

Paul and Audrey undergo the downsizing procedure, but Audrey backs out at the last minute, leaving Paul to begin his new downsized life alone. He moves to a luxurious house in Leisureland, facing financial difficulties and working at a call center.

Life in Leisureland

In Leisureland, Paul experiences a seemingly mundane life, until he attends a party thrown by his neighbor Dusan. Under the influence of a drug, Paul has a great time and eventually forms a bond with Noplan Chun, a Vietnamese political activist living in his neighborhood.

Audrey's Last Minute Decision

Audrey, feeling regret for her decision to not downsize, divorces Paul and the two go their separate ways. Paul's life takes a turn as he becomes more involved with Noplan and her community, engaging in acts of kindness and helping those in need.

Paul's Encounter with Ngoplan Chun

As Paul spends more time with Noplan, he aids her in her cleaning jobs and discovers her resilient spirit. Despite her difficulties, she remains focused on serving others in her neighborhood. Paul, although initially a physical therapist, assists Noplan in her duties, forming a deeper connection between them.

Paul's Journey to Norway and the First Colony

Paul, Noplan, Dusan, and Joris embark on a journey to Norway, where they visit the first downsized colony. They meet Dr. Jorgen and his wife, who explain the irreversible damage caused by global warming. The group learns about a vault built to protect humanity in the event of extinction.

The Methane Release and the Irreversible Damage

Dr. Jorgen reveals that a methane release in Antarctica will accelerate global warming, leading to the eventual extinction of the human species. Downsizing was an attempt to decrease the impact, but the damage is irreversible, and no solution exists to change the course of events.

Paul's Decision to Join the Colony

Inspired by Dr. Jorgen's words and motivated by his love for Noplan, Paul decides to stay with her instead of joining the vault. They find meaning in their lives by helping and supporting the residents of Noplan's neighborhood.

Conclusion

"Downsizing" takes audiences on a thought-provoking journey into a tiny world where humanity grapples with its impact on the environment and the choices made for its survival. The film explores themes of environmentalism, personal relationships, and the Quest for meaning in a changing world.