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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

The Thinning: New World Order — Movie Summary, Review, Commentary & Behind the Scenes

Following the events of the first film, the United States has descended further into chaos. The Thinning — a brutal population-control exam where low-performing students are executed — has been exposed to the public, triggering unrest, protests, and rebellion across the country.

Original Title: The Thinning: New World Order

  • Release Year: 2018
  • Genre: Action, Thriller, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
  • Director: Michael J. Gallagher
  • Writer: Michael J. Gallagher, Steve Greene
  • Stars: Logan Paul, Peyton List, Matthew Glave, Jacob Latimore

The Thinning: New World Order is the sequel to The Thinning (2016), continuing its dystopian narrative about a society that sacrifices morality for the illusion of order and survival. Set in a near-future America, the film explores authoritarian control, population management, and the cost of resistance in a world where freedom has become a privilege rather than a right.


Story Summary

Following the events of the first film, the United States has descended further into chaos. The Thinning — a brutal population-control exam where low-performing students are executed — has been exposed to the public, triggering unrest, protests, and rebellion across the country.

Laina Michaels (Peyton List) and Blake Redding (Logan Paul) are now fugitives, blamed by the government for inciting violence and destabilizing society. The administration, desperate to maintain power, uses propaganda and fear to label dissenters as enemies of the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Redding (Matthew Glave), Blake’s father, rises as a central political figure. He promotes a radical vision of order under the guise of national security — a “New World Order” that promises peace but demands absolute obedience. His policies escalate from educational control to mass incarceration and public executions of political prisoners.

As Blake and Laina attempt to expose the truth behind the regime, they join forces with underground resistance groups composed of students, activists, and former officials. These groups operate in secret, sabotaging government operations while spreading evidence of corruption.

The narrative builds toward a violent and emotionally charged climax, where personal loyalty clashes with ideological belief. Blake is forced to confront his own bloodline, questioning whether justice can exist within a system built on fear. The film concludes on a grim but defiant note, emphasizing that resistance is costly — but silence is worse.


Film Review

The Thinning: New World Order significantly raises the stakes compared to its predecessor. The sequel shifts from a school-based dystopia to a broader political thriller, expanding the scope to national consequences and systemic oppression.

Peyton List delivers a strong performance, portraying Laina as both vulnerable and determined. Logan Paul’s portrayal of Blake is more grounded and emotionally mature than in the first film, reflecting the character’s evolution from survivor to reluctant revolutionary.

Visually, the film adopts a darker tone with harsher lighting and more militarized imagery. Riot scenes, prison camps, and propaganda broadcasts reinforce the oppressive atmosphere. While the budget remains modest, the filmmakers effectively convey scale through editing and pacing.

Critically, the film received mixed reviews, often praised for its ambition and themes but criticized for uneven dialogue and pacing. However, for viewers interested in dystopian fiction with political undertones, the film offers compelling ideas and social commentary.


Commentary

At its core, The Thinning: New World Order is a cautionary tale about how easily democratic systems can be manipulated when fear overrides empathy. The film draws clear parallels to real-world issues such as authoritarian governance, media manipulation, and the erosion of civil liberties.

The concept of “merit-based survival” is presented as inherently flawed, exposing how power structures exploit education, economics, and fear to justify violence. The title itself suggests a global ideology rather than a single policy — a warning about centralized control disguised as progress.

Unlike many dystopian films that focus on spectacle, this sequel emphasizes political rhetoric and moral compromise, asking viewers to consider how much freedom they would surrender for the promise of safety.


Behind the Scenes

The film was produced as a YouTube Original, reflecting the platform’s brief expansion into feature-length scripted content. Director Michael J. Gallagher aimed to evolve the franchise from teen dystopia into a more mature political thriller.

Production emphasized fast-paced shooting schedules and practical locations, including abandoned facilities and industrial areas to simulate prison camps and government compounds.

Logan Paul and Peyton List were both involved in promoting the film heavily on social media, leveraging digital audiences rather than traditional theatrical marketing. This approach contributed to the film’s high viewership despite limited mainstream distribution.

The filmmakers have stated that the sequel was designed to feel more unsettling and less hopeful than the first film, intentionally leaving audiences uncomfortable with its implications.

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