Soylent Green (1973) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Simonson was murdered because he possessed knowledge about Soylent Green's true composition. As a lawyer connected to the Soylent Corporation, he had learned the horrifying secret that the product marketed as 'high-energy plankton' was actually made from human bodies. His distress in the days before his death suggests he was either conscience-stricken or feared for his life after discovering this truth.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Simonson growing increasingly agitated, hinting that he knew something dangerous.

• simonson murder
• soylent conspiracy
• why simonson died

The priest told Thorn that Simonson had made a confession containing something so disturbing it remained unspoken. This secret was the truth about Soylent Green being made from human remains rather than plankton. Simonson, wracked with guilt over his involvement with the corporation, had intended to confess everything before he was killed.

Foreshadowing: The priest's cryptic warning signals that Simonson's death was connected to something far larger than a simple murder.

• priest confession
• simonson secret
• dying confession

Thorn uncovered the truth through relentless investigation. After learning about Simonson's connections to the Soylent Corporation and his disturbing final confession, Thorn pieced together evidence linking powerful officials to a massive cover-up. His investigation led him to confront the conspiracy directly, ultimately discovering the horrifying reality that the corporation was processing human bodies into food.

Foreshadowing: The increasing danger Thorn faces from hired gunmen suggests he was getting dangerously close to the truth.

• thorn investigation
• discovering truth
• soylent revelation

Thorn was targeted because he was getting too close to exposing the Soylent Corporation's secret. As he investigated Simonson murder, he uncovered connections between the wealthy lawyer and powerful figures including Governor Santini. The corporation and its allies in government hired assassin Gilbert to silence Thorn before he could reveal the truth about Soylent Green's true ingredients.

Foreshadowing: The conspiracy's willingness to kill Simonson foreshadows their determination to eliminate anyone who threatens to expose them.

• gilbert assassin
• thorn danger
• hired killer

Simonson was a wealthy lawyer who represented and was deeply entangled with the Soylent Corporation. His luxury apartment and access to the wealthy elite placed him at the center of the company's operations. Through his work, he discovered the dark secret behind Soylent Green, which ultimately led to his murder.

Foreshadowing: Simonson's distress in the days before his death directly correlates to his knowledge of the corporation's crimes.

• simonson lawyer
• soylent corporation
• corporate conspiracy

Food riots erupt because Soylent Green, the corporation's newest product marketed as made from plankton, remains in extremely limited supply despite being presented as the solution to the city's food shortage. With 40 million overpopulated residents, massive unemployment, and barely any natural resources remaining, people desperately compete for the scarce rations, leading to violent outbreaks across the city.

Foreshadowing: The introduction of Soylent Green as a 'more nutritious' option sets up the cruel irony of the product's true nature.

• food riots
• soylent shortage
• new york crisis

Soylent Green was marketed as made from 'high-energy plankton,' presented as a superior, more nutritious option than Red and Yellow. However, all three products were actually processed rations. The key difference was the Green variety was newer and more scarce, creating greater demand and hype, while in reality, it was no different from the other Soylent products in being a processed food substitute.

Foreshadowing: The limited supply of Soylent Green creates the desperate demand that fuels the riots.

• soylent red
• soy yellow
• plankton lie

Sol Roth is Thorn's elderly roommate and former college professor who now works as a researcher, sifting through remnants of written history to aid Thorn's investigations. He provides crucial context about the world's past, sharing stories of a time when Earth had trees, abundant resources, and sustainability. His research and historical knowledge help Thorn piece together the clues that lead to the truth about Soylent Green.

Foreshadowing: Roth's tales of the past highlight the contrast between the depleted present and the lost abundance.

• sol roth
• thorn friend
• history researcher

The revelation is devastating because the entire population has been unknowingly consuming human remains. In a world where food is scarce and people are dying from starvation, the corporation has been processing dead human bodies into the food rations that keep millions alive. This reveals not just a corporate crime, but a horrifying cycle of survival that makes the population complicit in consuming each other.

Foreshadowing: The film's dark tone and themes of desperation set up the bleak logic of this horrifying solution.

• cannibalism
• human bodies
• shocking truth

The ending suggests Thorn's warning goes unheard. After his desperate cry of 'Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!' he is shown wounded and alone, with no indication that the corrupt authorities or starving population will believe or act on his revelation. The film's bleak conclusion leaves viewers with a sense of hopelessness, as the system that protects the conspiracy remains firmly in control.

Foreshadowing: The oppressive atmosphere and constant danger to Thorn foreshadow his ultimate failure to change anything.

• thorn ending
• truth ignored
• hopeless ending

Upon discovering Simonson's body, Thorn briefly succumbs to the temptation of luxury, real hot water, expensive food and drink, contrasting sharply with his cramped, run-down apartment. This moment humanizes Thorn as flawed, showing how even a detective can be seduced by the privileged lifestyle he rarely experiences, though he quickly returns to his duty.

Foreshadowing: This moment underscores the extreme class divide between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses.

• thorn luxury
• crime scene
• class divide

Thorn persists because his investigation reveals a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of government, including Governor Santini. Once he learns about Simonson's confession and the disturbing secret, he feels compelled to uncover the truth. His determination reflects both professional duty and personal outrage at the deception and murder hiding behind the corporation's public image.

Foreshadowing: The priest's warning about Simonson's confession foreshadows that the truth is worth dangerous pursuit.

• thorn courage
• truth quest
• government conspiracy