Simon

Simon

Year: 1980

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Marshall Brickman

Comedy

He loves you. Do what he says. Simon, a seasoned psychology professor, is selected as the test subject for a controversial brain‑washing experiment. A team of scientists subjects him to relentless conditioning, trying to convince him that he is not human but a living being from another planet, testing the boundaries of belief, identity and obedience.

Simon (1980) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Simon (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a near‑future where a well‑funded think tank thrives on manipulation and media frenzy, a group of scientists devise a controversial project: they will convince a single individual that he is not a human being at all, but a living emissary from another world. Their lab, equipped with a sentient computer called Doris, becomes the engine of a far‑reaching social experiment that blurs the line between scientific inquiry and covert propaganda, hinting at a society willing to rewrite reality for the sake of control.

Simon Mendelssohn, a seasoned professor of psychology, is chosen as the test subject. Abandoned at birth and driven by a personal fascination with consciousness, he spends his days in an isolation tank, seeking to map the evolution of thought from the simplest cells to modern minds. His scholarly curiosity makes him both an ideal candidate and a reluctant pawn, as the institute’s relentless conditioning begins to overlay his own introspections with alien narratives.

By his side is Lisa, a determined partner whose affection for Simon is rooted in both love and a shared skepticism of the institute’s motives. Their relationship adds a human counterweight to the sterile, ultra‑scientific environment, offering moments of tenderness amid an otherwise cold, procedural world. Together, they navigate a maze of suggestion, authority, and the ever‑present hum of surveillance, each questioning what it means to belong to a species.

The film’s tone balances unsettling psychological dread with darkly satirical commentary on a culture that embraces grandiose visions of progress without questioning the cost. It paints a picture of a society teetering on the edge of obedience and rebellion, where the very act of believing becomes a battlefield. Within this fragile tableau, Simon and Lisa embody the tension between prescribed identity and the primal desire to define oneself.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:51

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Satirical sci-fi comedies like Simon

Absurd and funny stories where society itself is the main experiment.If you enjoyed the quirky, brainwashing-fueled social commentary of Simon, you'll like these movies. This list features other films that blend science fiction concepts with sharp satire, using absurd premises to explore themes of media influence, celebrity culture, and identity in a funny yet thought-provoking way.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically involve an ordinary person or group confronted with an illogical, manipulated society. The plot follows their journey navigating this absurd system, often leading to a chaotic unraveling or a bittersweet escape that comments on the fragility of free will and the power of influence.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their unique blend of a whimsical, satirical tone with science fiction elements focused on societal critique. Despite their comedic presentation, they maintain a steady pace and moderate emotional weight, creating an experience that is both entertaining and intellectually engaging.

Movies about psychological manipulation like Simon

Stories where a character's reality and sense of self are systematically dismantled.For viewers who liked the brainwashing and identity crisis themes in Simon, this list features similar psychological thrillers and dramas. These movies focus on characters undergoing extreme mental conditioning, exploring the boundaries of belief and the emotional toll of having your reality manipulated by powerful forces.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist becoming the subject of a deliberate, often institutional, psychological experiment. The conflict arises from the erosion of their identity against the imposed false reality, leading to internal turmoil, potential escape, and a conclusion that rarely offers complete closure, leaving a sense of unease.

Why These Movies?

They share a focus on the thematic core of identity crisis via external manipulation, creating a medium-intensity experience with a steady pace. The tone can vary, but they all deliver a thought-provoking and often unsettling look at the fragility of the self.

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Simon Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Simon

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Simon

More About Simon

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