What begins as a curious sci-fi fantasy about a futuristic
technology people can use to shrink themselves (thereby dramatically reducing
the toll they take on the environment) becomes a deeply humane, faith-tinged
drama once a Midwestern suburbanite (Matt Damon) who has chosen to "go
small" crosses paths with a Vietnamese refugee (Hong Chau in a powerful
performance) who, as a political prisoner in her native country, was forcibly
subjected to the process. Damon's character has his own sense of vulnerability
since he was betrayed by his ex-wife (Kristen Wiig) and fleeced in their
divorce settlement. So he is ripe for the transformation of his materialistic
values initiated when his cynical, party-loving neighbor (Christoph Waltz)
becomes the unwitting agent of change in his life by bringing him into contact
with the devout, charity-focused immigrant. Though unsuitable for youngsters,
director and co-writer Alexander Payne's film will stimulate reflection among
those of their elders not put off by incidental sights and some strong
vocabulary in the script he penned with Jim Taylor.
Watch out for: Full nudity
in a medical context, off-screen premarital sexual activity, acceptability of
divorce, drug use, a few uses of profanity, frequent rough and occasional crude
and crass language.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA:
R
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2018