The Thinning Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

In the future, kids take a really important test, and if they fail, they get sent to a dystopian tech sweatshop instead of, you know, just summer school.

🍿 The Thinning: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Dystopian World of ‘The Thinning’

The film is set in 2039, where overpopulation has forced the United Nations to mandate that each nation reduce its population by 5% annually. The United States implements ‘The Thinning,’ a standardized test for students; those who fail are executed. This system creates a tense and fearful environment within the education system.

Blake’s Rebellion and Laina’s Struggle

Blake Redding, the governor’s son, rebels against the system after his girlfriend fails ‘The Thinning’ and is executed. He vows to fail the test intentionally to expose its flaws and his father’s potential corruption. Meanwhile, Laina Michaels, a brilliant student, finds herself wrongly designated as a failure due to manipulated test scores. Both characters’ storylines converge as they fight against the oppressive system.

Unveiling the Conspiracy

Blake and Laina team up to uncover the truth behind ‘The Thinning.’ Their investigation leads them to discover that test scores are being manipulated, resulting in the wrongful execution of students. They work to expose this conspiracy, facing constant danger and opposition from the authorities trying to suppress their findings. Ms. Birch, a sympathetic teacher, aids Laina by providing a keycard to help her escape and expose the scheme.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Blake Redding (Logan Paul): The governor’s son who initially tries to fail the Thinning test to protest the system, but becomes entangled in a conspiracy.
• Laina Michaels (Peyton List): A brilliant student wrongly accused of failing, fights to expose the corruption behind the aptitude test.
• Ellie Harper (Lia Marie Johnson): Blake’s girlfriend who fails the test and becomes a catalyst for Blake’s initial rebellion.
• Gov. Dean Redding (Matthew Glave): The governor of Texas who is pressured to uphold the Thinning, even when it affects his own family.
• Mason King (Michael Traynor): The head of the Department of Population Control who carries out the governor’s orders and manipulates the test results.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gov. Dean Redding: “Look, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun every once in a while, but you gotta pick your moments. The night before a life altering test it’s not the moment. Got it.” – The governor tells this to his son to highlight the importance of the Thinning aptitude test.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Thinning Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘The Thinning’ because I was curious about the premise. The idea of a high-stakes test deciding who lives or dies is certainly thought-provoking, and the movie had some intense moments when the characters rebelled against the system. However, it didn’t fully explore the emotional impact on the families involved. Still, it was an entertaining watch and worth it for the rebellious spirit and action. I liked the twist at the end and I am curious if they are going to make a second movie as this could be expanded into a franchise. I’d probably watch it when it came out to see where they take the story next!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in movies about overpopulation”
  • “Teen audiences”
  • “Fans of Logan Paul and Peyton List”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes of population control”
  • “Implied executions”
  • “Teen drug use”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritic.com: “The Thinning throws together a familiar dystopian premise with the star power of Logan Paul. While the core concept has potential, the execution feels rushed and predictable. The movie’s attempts at social commentary are heavy-handed, and the performances, though earnest, lack depth.
• IndieWire: “This movie wants to be ‘The Hunger Games’ so badly. Its derivative plot and reliance on genre tropes hold it back. Despite some exciting moments, it fails to deliver on its promise, feeling more like a long YouTube skit than a feature film.

Audience Reactions

Loved the suspense and the twist ending.: The story and plot keeps viewers engaged

Some found the plot interesting, but poorly executed.: Most viewers thought it a decent watch for a YouTube movie.

Overall Consensus: While the movie has an intriguing concept and suspenseful moments, many found it falls short in execution, acting quality, and overall depth. It is still a decent watch for a YouTube movie. The story and plot keeps viewers engaged.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “”The Thinning” was originally released on YouTube Red, now known as YouTube Premium.”
• “The movie explores themes of overpopulation and the controversial methods societies might employ to control it.”
• “A sequel, “The Thinning: New World Order,” was released in 2018, continuing the story and expanding on the dystopian world.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Thinning?

As a YouTube Red original movie (now YouTube Premium), The Thinning is primarily available through a YouTube Premium subscription. This grants access to the film as part of the subscription package. Unfortunately, ‘The Thinning’ is not available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. It’s also not typically available for rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Thinning, you might like these similar films:

• The Hunger Games (2012): Both feature a dystopian society where young people are forced into a life-or-death competition controlled by a corrupt government.
• Divergent (2014): Features a society divided into factions based on aptitude, with those who don’t fit neatly into a category deemed ‘divergent’ and persecuted.
• The Purge (2013): Explores themes of government control and population control.

🛒 The Thinning Related Products

• The Thinning: New World Order: Digital streaming of the sequel to ‘The Thinning’, continuing the story of the characters in a new setting.
• Dystopian Teen Novel Collection (Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner): Immerse yourself in other popular dystopian worlds with this collection, featuring stories of teens fighting against oppressive regimes.
• Standardized Test Prep Books: Study resources to help prepare for important tests, even if they don’t determine your entire future.
• Anti-Establishment T-shirt: Wear this t-shirt that shows your passion and interests.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Thinning features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Thinning Theme” – performed by Various Artists
• “Rebellion” – performed by Unknown

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Will Quinton Reviews Survive? | ‘The Thinning’ Review

Curious about ‘The Thinning’? Quinton Reviews dives deep, and let me tell you, his take is pretty spot-on! If you’re debating whether or not to watch it, this review is a must-see.

Logan Paul’s Thinning Sequel is Terrible

So, you’ve seen ‘The Thinning,’ and now you’re thinking about the sequel? Hold up! Quinton Reviews says it’s terrible and honestly, I’m not surprised. Check this out before you waste your time, seriously!

I Watched the Thinning 2 So You Don’t Have To

Thinking about braving ‘The Thinning 2’ yourself? Kappa Kaiju took one for the team! He sat through it so you don’t have to, and his commentary is hilarious and informative. Trust me, you’ll thank him (and me) later.

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