Categories: FilmReviews

To See or Not to See: The Thinning

As the post-apocalyptic genre has grown in popularity, it’s become increasingly difficult to put a new spin on it. But, every so often, a cinematic voice will come along and bring a fresh perspective. Michael J. Gallagher and Steve Greene do exactly that with their new film, The Thinning—streaming exclusively on YouTube Red.

The Thinning takes place in the future—a future that’s facing a HUGE problem. Its natural resources are depleting (and quickly) as a result of over-population. Yikes! To address the issue, every country must eliminate five percent of their population each year. And, in Texas, Governor Dean Redding is complying by instituting The Thinning. It’s an aptitude test where the lowest scoring students are euthanized. Children must take the test each year until they turn eighteen. As the poster states “Only the smartest will survive,” right? But, what happens when two students discover that the tests are all smoke and mirrors hiding a larger conspiracy?

The plot synopsis sounds a bit generic. And, although there are questionable moments, it’s anything but that. Gallagher and Greene are compelling storytellers. They’ve created a dilemma that will resonate with audiences because quite honestly it could happen. And, that makes the film thrilling, intriguing, and a little alarming. Just as you think you’ve gotten a grasp on what will happen next, you’re proven wrong. The pair add enough twists and turns to make the film anything but predictable. And, they’re writers who are not afraid to break boundaries so nothing is guaranteed including a happy ending. By the epic conclusion, you’ll likely be picking your jaw up from the ground.

The Thinning stars Peyton List, Logan Paul, Lia Marie Johnson, and Calum Worthy. And, simply put, they’re immaculate. While still in the early stages of their career, it’s clear that talent knows no age and they’re choosing projects and roles that push them past their comfort zone. It would be easy for these young actors to continue to play the same characters over and over and to be typecast but that’s not the case. Each delivers a standout performance.

The Thinning is a film at the top of its class. And, undoubtedly worth the price of a YouTube Red subscription.

Watch the trailer below:

★ ★ ★ ½ out of 4

Photo Credit: YouTube Red

Kevin

Kevin is a writer living in New York City. He is an enthusiast with an extensive movie collection, who enjoys attending numerous conventions throughout the year. Say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

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Jank Tooler says:

January 1, 2017 at 1:13 pm

I'm sorry, but I must disagree. The plastic acting and constant blaise dialogue make this B- concept an almost immediate dud. Conceptually speaking, the movie fails to create true emotional grit and lacks the production value and charisma low-concept indie style movies need to be successful. Though not completely unwatchable, the generic excitement created by flashing lights and men in stifling black masks made me want to laugh more than garner my interest. I found the subject matter and idea acceptable, although totally implausible, but that by no means kills a movie. What killed this movie was generic thrills, predictable action, mediocre acting, and cliche, faceless villains with few truly menacing, standout antagonists, and a world that felt too thin to care about, detracting from the emotional investment required to take a movie seriously and appreciate it.