Matt Damon is about to dominate headlines again with Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey this summer, but before that epic arrives, fans have a chance to revisit one of his strangest sci-fi detours. Downsizing, the 2017 high-concept oddity from director Alexander Payne, is leaving Paramount+ on May 1, 2026. If you've been curious about this polarizing film, now's the time to stream it.
What Is 'Downsizing' About?
Set in a semi-dystopian near-future where overpopulation and resource depletion threaten humanity, Downsizing presents a radical solution: voluntary shrinking. Scientists develop a process that reduces humans to about five inches tall, allowing them to live in tiny, resource-efficient communities. Damon plays Paul Safranek, an ordinary man who decides to undergo the procedure with his wife (Kristen Wiig), hoping for a better life. But things don't go as planned, leading him into unexpected adventures and encounters with characters played by Hong Chau (in a breakout role) and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz.
Why It's Considered Damon's Weirdest Sci-Fi Movie
Unlike Damon's more straightforward sci-fi hits like The Martian or Interstellar, Downsizing is a tonal rollercoaster. Payne, known for sharp character dramas like Sideways and The Descendants, tried to blend social satire, existential drama, and quirky comedy. The result was a movie that critics and audiences couldn't quite agree on. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 47% critics' score and a dismal 26% audience rating. The consensus reads: "Downsizing assembles a talented cast in pursuit of some truly interesting ideas — which may be enough for some audiences to forgive the final product's frustrating shortcomings."
Box Office and Legacy
Released in 2017, Downsizing arrived during a rough patch for Damon, following Elysium, The Monuments Men, The Great Wall, and Suburbicon. Despite a reported budget of $75 million, the film grossed only about $55 million worldwide. Yet it has gained a cult following for its ambition and Hong Chau's standout performance. For fans of offbeat sci-fi, it's a fascinating misfire that asks big questions about consumerism, inequality, and the environment.
What to Watch Next on Paramount+
If you're in the mood for more streaming recommendations, check out Taylor Sheridan's dark crime drama 'Mayor of Kingstown', which continues to dominate Paramount+ ahead of its final season. Or dive into Guy Ritchie's 'MobLand', the streamer's sleeper hit crime drama. For more sci-fi, Netflix's overlooked thriller 'The Silent Sea' is a perfect one-night binge.
Don't forget to also check these 7 movies leaving Netflix in May 2026 to plan your streaming calendar.
Downsizing may not be Damon's finest hour, but it's a bold, weird, and thought-provoking experiment that deserves a look before it disappears from Paramount+. Mark your calendars for May 1.
