The Thinning

"Only the smartest will survive"

2016 1h 24m EN

👍

6.6

SOLID

★6.6TMDB · 392

ThrillerDramaHorror

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Only the smartest will survive”

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Cast

Logan Paul
Blake Redding
Peyton List
Laina Michaels
Lia Marie Johnson
Ellie Harper
Calum Worthy
Kellan Woods
Ryan Whitney
Sarah Foster
Michael Traynor
Mason King
Stacey Dash
Kendra Birch
Matthew Glave
Governor Redding

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Michael J. Gallagher
Writers: Michael J. Gallagher, Steve Greene
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

84 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Shot for just $0.1M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 10 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "The Thinning Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Michael J. Gallagher, shot by Greg Cotten. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Brandon Campbell. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Brian Ufberg shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Logan Paul and Peyton List and Lia Marie Johnson carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Michael J. Gallagher directs. Greg Cotten behind the camera. Brandon Campbell scores. Brian Ufberg cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

184 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
2Shot for just $0.1M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.
3Released 10 years ago.
4Part of the "The Thinning Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
5Directed by Michael J. Gallagher, shot by Greg Cotten. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
6Original score by Brandon Campbell. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
7Editor Brian Ufberg shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
8Logan Paul and Peyton List and Lia Marie Johnson carry the top of the cast.
9Marketing tagline: "Only the smartest will survive".
10IMDB entry: tt5254868 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Cinematography: Greg Cotten
Original score: Brandon Campbell
Editing: Brian Ufberg
Production design: Alec Contestabile
Runtime: 84 min · 1h 24m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $100,000
Original language: EN
IMDB: The Thinning (2016)

Part of

The Thinning Collection

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.

Also by

Michael J. Gallagher

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Trailers & featurettes

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Community reviews

What people are saying

Alunauwie2025-09-15
★ 10/10
The film offers a strong concept highlighting overpopulation and government control through a brutal academic elimination system. Though the idea is compelling, it reflects the flaws of programs tainted by political interest and inequality. Solid performances and tense sound design lead into an open ending that sets up its sequel effectively. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)

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