Soylent Green Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

In the future, plankton is scarce, so the government makes green wafers, but a cop finds out the wafers are actually grandma!

🍿 Soylent Green: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Dystopian Future

In the year 2022, Earth is ravaged by overpopulation, pollution, and resource depletion. New York City is home to 40 million people struggling for survival. Most of the population relies on processed food rations from the Soylent Corporation, with the newest product, Soylent Green, being the most popular despite its mysterious origins.

The Simonson Murder

Detective Thorn, a cynical NYPD detective, is assigned to investigate the murder of William Simonson, a wealthy executive at the Soylent Corporation. The crime scene suggests more than a simple burglary, leading Thorn to suspect a deeper conspiracy. He begins to uncover clues suggesting Simonson’s death was an assassination.

Roth’s Investigation and ‘Going Home’

Sol Roth, Thorn’s roommate and a former professor (a ‘book’ who remembers the past), assists in the investigation by researching Soylent’s oceanographic reports. Roth discovers a horrifying truth about Soylent Green, leading him to a profound moral crisis and ultimately, assisted suicide at a government clinic—a process called ‘going home’.

Thorn Uncovers the Truth

Before his death, Roth reveals to Thorn the shocking secret: Soylent Green is made from human remains. Thorn, in disbelief and disgust, is spurred to find evidence and expose the truth. His pursuit leads him to the Soylent processing plant, where he witnesses the horrifying process firsthand.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Detective Thorn (Charlton Heston): A determined but flawed NYPD detective investigating a murder that uncovers a horrifying secret about the food supply.
• Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson): An intelligent former professor and police analyst (‘book’) who provides crucial insight and context to Thorn’s investigation.
• Shirl (Leigh Taylor-Young): A young woman, referred to as ‘furniture’, who is initially connected to the murdered Simonson and becomes involved with Thorn.
• William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten): A member of the Soylent board whose murder sets the plot in motion and hints at the corporation’s dark secret.
• Tab Fielding (Chuck Connors): Simonson’s bodyguard who is later revealed to be involved in the cover-up and attempts to silence Thorn.
• Chief Hatcher (Brock Peters): Thorn’s superior officer who is initially supportive but faces pressure to halt the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sol: “People were always rotten. But the world ‘was’ beautiful.” – Sol expresses his despair at the degradation of the environment and society, contrasting it with his memories of a better past.
• Sol: “How could I know? How could I ever imagine?” – Said with awe and sadness as he watches the images of nature during his assisted suicide.
• Detective Thorn: “Soylent Green is PEOPLE!” – Thorn shouts this shocking revelation in a desperate attempt to expose the truth about the food source.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4M
• Domestic Gross: $25M
• Worldwide Gross: $40M

💥 Soylent Green Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Soylent Green’ messed me up! I went in knowing the big twist, but seeing it all unfold was still so disturbing. The way they showed people living, packed together like animals, and the complete lack of real food? It felt way too close to something that could actually happen. And Edward G. Robinson’s death scene? Gut-wrenching. I was tearing up. It’s definitely a movie that sticks with you long after it’s over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in ecological thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking social commentary”
  • “Fans of Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing themes (cannibalism)”
  • “Sexual content (though limited)”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A chilling look at a dystopian future where overpopulation and environmental collapse lead to unthinkable solutions. Heston delivers a powerful performance, and the film’s message resonates even more strongly today. The film succeeds through atmosphere, capturing a believable dystopia with grounded stakes.
• The New York Times: “Soylent Green is a compelling, if somewhat heavy-handed, commentary on societal ills. While the ‘twist’ is now widely known, the film’s depiction of resource scarcity and corporate control remains unsettling. Edward G. Robinson’s final performance adds a layer of poignancy. The film can be slow, but the world-building is immaculate.
• Los Angeles Times: “A landmark science fiction film that dares to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity’s future. The mystery is well-paced, and the film’s bleak vision is disturbingly prescient. Richard Fleischer proves a skilled director, crafting a believable and unsettling cinematic experience. The movie’s themes hit even harder in today’s climate.

Audience Reactions

Edward G. Robinson’s final performance is incredibly moving and elevates the entire film.: The film’s exploration of overpopulation and resource scarcity is disturbingly relevant.

The iconic twist ending remains shocking even if you know it beforehand.: Heston’s portrayal of a gritty, morally ambiguous cop is captivating.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and unsettling science fiction classic that remains relevant due to its themes of overpopulation, environmental disaster, and corporate control. While the twist is well-known, the film’s execution and performances make it a must-see.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward G. Robinson was terminally ill during filming, making his final scenes, especially his death scene, particularly poignant and powerful.”
• “Charlton Heston was eager to make the film, believing strongly in the dangers of overpopulation, which influenced his performance and commitment to the project.”
• “The film’s depiction of 2022 was intentionally designed to resemble the 1970s, highlighting that societal and environmental decay were not futuristic concepts, but relevant contemporary issues.”
• “The scene where Thorn and Roth share a meal of fresh food was ad-libbed by Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson at director Richard Fleischer’s request.”

🖥️ How to Watch Soylent Green?

Soylent Green is available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Soylent Green, you might like these similar films:

• The Omega Man (1971): Another Charlton Heston dystopian sci-fi film exploring themes of societal collapse and the fight for survival in a ravaged world.
• Blade Runner (1982): Explores a similarly bleak and overpopulated future with a gritty, noir-influenced detective story.
• 1984 (1984): Presents a totalitarian society with mass control and manipulation of the population, similar to the corporate control in Soylent Green.
• Children of Men (2006): A modern dystopian thriller depicting a world facing collapse due to environmental and societal issues, with humanity struggling to survive.

🛒 Soylent Green Related Products

• Soylent Green [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic film, allowing fans to experience the dystopian world in stunning detail. It includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• NECA Soylent Green Scoop Figure: Highly detailed action figure of the iconic Scoop riot control vehicle from the movie. It’s a perfect display piece for fans of dystopian sci-fi and movie memorabilia.
• Soylent Green T-Shirt: Officially licensed t-shirt featuring the movie’s iconic poster. Wear your love for the film and spark conversations with fellow fans.
• Soylent Green: Dystopian Cookbook: Explore dystopian cuisine with plant based and insect inspired recipes. Learn to create dishes that reflect the resourcefulness and creativity needed to survive in a resource-scarce world.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Fred Myrow
• “Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op.74: ‘Pathetique’: I. Adagio – Allegro non Troppo” – performed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• “Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 – IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King” – performed by Edvard Grieg
• “Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 ‘Pastoral’ – I. Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande: Allegro ma non troppo” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

IT’S PEOPLE!

Oh my god, you HAVE to relive the most shocking moment in cinema history! Remember when you first heard ‘Soylent Green is people!’? Chills every time!

Soylent Green Documentary – A Look at the World of Soylent Green

Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind Soylent Green? This documentary breaks it all down, exploring the film’s chilling predictions about overpopulation and environmental disaster. Seriously thought-provoking!

Simpsons soylent green

Did you know The Simpsons made a hilarious reference to Soylent Green? This clip perfectly captures the movie’s dark humor, but in a cartoon style. Check it out and see if you catch all the references!

7 Soylent Green actors who have passed away (part 1)

Ever wonder what happened to the cast of Soylent Green? This tribute honors the actors who brought this iconic movie to life, reminding us of their talent and legacy. It’s really nice to remember them.

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