10 Most Hotly Anticipated Non-Blockbuster Films Of 2017

Downsizing is an upcoming film written and directed by Alexander Payne. Now I know what you're thinking with a title like that - Payne is going to dish up one of his usual comedy-dramas about a middle-class family going through turmoil, this time probably having to move from their mansion to a slightly smaller mansion after someone loses their job or something.

Thankfully that isn't the case! Downsizing instead tells the story of a man and wife who fancy a change, so they decide to voluntarily shrink themselves with the help of scientists (because apparently date night to revitalise a marriage is too pedestrian), only for the wife to back out once the husband has gone through the change. Okay, so even though it is a science-fiction film it is still an Alexander Payne film, so the main drama and emotion will unsurprisingly come from human relationships, which is certainly no bad thing.

The prospect of Payne tackling the sci-fi genre for the first time is mouthwatering, and he's going to be assisted by a dream cast that is so great it's as if he's showing off, including Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig as the potentially mini husband and wife, backed up by Christoph Waltz, Alec Baldwin, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jason Sudeikis. With that cast in mind we should be in store for some big laughs, but also a major case of the feels judging by Payne's incredible talents as a writer.

Unfortunately we have a longer wait for Downsizing as it is slated for a December release at the backend of 2017. However, this date cements Payne's confidence as he is most likely aiming for a fourth best director Oscar nominee, or perhaps an impressive third win for best screenplay.