Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
In a post-apocalyptic future where population control is dictated by a high-school aptitude test, two students discover the test is smoke and mirrors hiding a larger conspiracy.
The Thinning is a YouTube Premium dystopian thriller that leans on familiar YA tropes — rigged tests, corrupt elites, teen protagonists uncovering a conspiracy — without much depth or originality in execution. The plot follows a predictable beats with a cliffhanger ending that feels incomplete rather than satisfying, clearly designed to set up sequels. Acting is serviceable but uneven, with Logan Paul's presence adding distraction rather than gravitas. Cinematography is functional but unremarkable for a low-budget streaming production. The eugenics-via-test premise has some novelty as a concept, elevating it slightly above pure formula, but the execution doesn't fully capitalize on the idea's potential.