The Shrinking Man

Original title:	L'Homme qui rétrécit
Director:	Jan Kounen
Release:	Vod
Running time:	90 minutes
Release date:	Not communicated
Rating:

The Incredible Shrinking Man, a new adaptation of Richard Matheson's cult novel, follows Paul, an ordinary man who divides his time between his shipbuilding business, his wife Elise, and their daughter Mia. While out at sea, Paul encounters a strange, unexplained weather phenomenon. From then on, Paul shrinks inexorably, with no science able to explain why or offer any help. When, by accident, he finds himself trapped in his own cellar, now only a few centimeters tall, he must fight to survive in this banal environment that has become perilous. During this experience, Paul is confronted with himself, with his humanity, and will attempt to answer the great questions of existence. The Incredible Shrinking Man is both a coming-of-age story and a great adventure film.

Sabine's Review

The film is an adaptation of the book The Shrinking Man written by Richard Matheson, a writer and screenwriter specializing in fantasy and science fiction (The Fall of the Usher House). A first adaptation was made in 1957 by Jack Arnold. This effective, inventive, spectacular adaptation at the time, but also ecological, pacifist and humanist, has become a cult classic of science fiction cinema, which I recommend. This new adaptation is originally a project by actor Jean Dujardin. Producer Alain Goldman then proposed this project to the director Jan Kounen.

Jan Kounen adapts a book that has lost none of its power. There are some differences. In the original, the hero's illness was caused by a pesticide, then a mysterious radioactive fog. The film was thus a plea against nuclear and chemical weapons. The cause here remains enigmatic. But the theme is timeless. The film questions life, the passing of time, loss, decay, the fragility of being, then the acceptance of difference and transcendence. Naturally, this allegory affects each viewer differently depending on their age. Jan Kounen adds his personal touch, inspired by his spirituality. The film is thus more introspective, with a slower rythm.

The film adopts the point of view of Paul, the main character, throughout the shrinking process: the camera "shrinks" with him, and the environments expand. This directorial choice allows the viewer to experience the strangeness, the loss of control, and the anguish of a familiar world that has become hostile. Jan Kounen masters special effects. He worked with the French company MacGuff. The film is a visual success.
Jean Dujardin plays Paul, the main character. The actor is often alone on screen. He must convey the fear, resilience, and questioning. Perhaps because he was filmed in front of a green screen, the actor's performance could have been more sensitive. Fortunately, Alexandre Desplat's music is magnificent, as usual, alternately distressing, moving, and soothing. Between human drama, technical prowess, and reflection on the human condition, Jan Kounen creates a beautiful adaptation for a new generation. The film ends on a note of hope and humanism, with a monologue that is as moving as ever.

The Shrinking Man
Directed by Jan Kounen
Written by Jan Kounen and Christophe Deslandes, with Christophe Duthuron
from the novel of Richard Matheson and the movie from Jack Arnold
Produced by Patrick Wachsberger and Alain Goldman
With Jean Dujardin, Marie-Josée Croze, Daphné Richard
Cinematography : Christophe Nuyens
Editor : Anny Danché
Music by Alexandre Desplat
Production : Pitchipoï Productions and uMedia
Distributed by Universal Pictures International France
Release date : 22 Octobre 2025 (France)
Running time : 90 minutes

Seen September 19, 2025 at the Grand Rex movies theater

Sabine's Mark: