Soylent Green

Soylent Green

Year: 1973

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Fleischer

Sci-FiMysteryThrillerCrime

In a severely overpopulated and resource-depleted New York City, Detective Thorn investigates the suspicious death of a Soylent Corporation executive. As he pursues the case, he uncovers a disturbing secret about the company's popular food product, Soylent Green, and its origins. His investigation leads him into a dangerous confrontation with powerful figures, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew and ultimately leading him to a shocking revelation about the state of the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Soylent Green yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Soylent Green (1973)

Trace every key event in Soylent Green (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Overpopulation Crisis

In 2022, New York City faces an alarming population crisis, stretching its capacity to 40 million residents. This explosive growth has led to severe overcrowding, dilapidated housing, and an overwhelming homeless population on the streets.

2022 New York City
2

Economic Collapse

Amidst the city's overcrowding, the unemployment rate skyrockets to an astounding 50%. Prominent businesses crumble, increasing desperation among residents as they struggle to find work and means of survival.

2022 New York City
3

Climate Change Effects

Severe climate change wreaks havoc on the city, leading to unbearably humid summers with temperatures exceeding 90°F. The oppressive heat compounds the difficulties faced by the population, making everyday life a struggle.

2022 New York City
4

Food Scarcity

Food becomes an incredibly scarce and expensive resource, prompting residents to reminisce about better times. The availability of basic necessities dwindles, leading to desperation among the populace.

2022 New York City
5

Reliance on Soylent Corporation

With alternative food sources dwindling, more people begin relying on processed rations produced by the Soylent Corporation. Soylent Red and Soylent Yellow dominate the market, promising sustenance but leaving consumers increasingly skeptical.

6

Introduction of Soylent Green

The Soylent Corporation unveils its latest product, Soylent Green, marketed as a high-energy meal derived from plankton. Despite its promising description, the product remains in limited supply, igniting food riots across the city as citizens vie for a chance to obtain it.

2022 New York City
7

Robert Thorn's Investigation Begins

Detective Robert Thorn is assigned to investigate the murder of William R. Simonson, a wealthy lawyer found dead in his lavish apartment. His discovery of Simonson's body amid luxury highlights the stark contrasts between the rich and the poor in the city.

Chelsea Towers West, New York City
8

Meeting with Shirl

During his investigation, Thorn encounters Shirl, the young concubine of the deceased Simonson. Their interactions reveal Simonson's increasing distress leading up to his murder, deepening Thorn's intrigue.

New York City
9

Clues to a Larger Conspiracy

Thorn's investigation uncovers ties between Simonson and powerful figures like Governor Joseph Santini. As he digs deeper, he realizes he is grappling with a far-reaching conspiracy that extends beyond the murder case.

New York City
10

Dangerous Encounters

As Thorn gets closer to uncovering the truth, he faces a life-threatening chase from a hired gunman named Gilbert. The danger escalates, forcing Thorn to navigate both the streets and the layers of corruption.

New York City
11

Shocking Revelation

In a dramatic turn, Thorn uncovers the horrifying truth about Soylent Green's real ingredients: human bodies disguised as food products. This revelation shocks him and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative.

12

Race Against Time

Determined to expose the truth behind Soylent Green, Thorn races against time to reveal the shocking composition of the food to the public. He grapple with the forces that wish to keep the truth hidden.

13

Final Confrontation

Thorn's relentless pursuit of the truth culminates in a confrontation with those who seek to maintain the city's grim status quo. He faces deadly threats as he fights to bring the reality of Soylent Green to light.

New York City
14

Heartbreaking Denouement

In a poignant climax, Thorn declares the tragic truth: 'Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!' His desperate cry reveals the depths of despair facing humanity in this dystopian future, serving as a chilling reminder of the consequences of societal neglect.

New York City
15

Call to Action

Thorn's final message resonates as a plea for change; he urges society to confront its dire situation and act against the institutions perpetuating the tragedy. The urgency of his message leaves an indelible mark on the audience.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:56

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Dystopian Conspiracy Thrillers like Soylent Green

Uncovering horrifying secrets within a decaying, oppressive future society.If you liked the investigative dread of Soylent Green, explore more movies where characters uncover dark secrets in a broken future. These films share a steady, suspenseful pace, a bleak tone, and shocking revelations about the world's corruption, perfect for fans of tense, high-stakes dystopian stories.

dystopianconspiracyparanoidgrimanxiousfatalisticsuspenseful

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a procedural investigation structure within a dystopian setting. A protagonist, often an insider like a detective or official, begins to question the status quo. Their inquiry leads them down a dangerous path, besieged by the system they once served, culminating in a truth so horrific it shatters their worldview, often with little hope for change.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared core premise: a mystery unraveled within a dystopia. The experience is defined by a combination of world-building that establishes a hopeless setting, a narrative that builds suspense through investigation, and a tone that is unflinchingly dark and morally grim.

Bleak Crime Noir Movies like Soylent Green

A detective's straightforward case leads to a morally bankrupt abyss.For viewers who appreciated the grim detective story in Soylent Green, this list features similar movies where a procedural investigation leads to a bleak, fatalistic conclusion. These films share a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and the theme that solving the crime doesn't solve the underlying corruption.

noirbleakfatalisticgrimoppressivecrimecorruption

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is a seemingly standard investigation that acts as a vehicle for exploring profound themes of corruption and dehumanization. The protagonist follows the clues, but each discovery only deepens the moral quagmire. The climax is not a triumph of justice but a realization of systemic evil, often leaving the hero broken and the status quo unchallenged.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their use of the detective genre to deliver a profoundly pessimistic message. They share a specific mood: a claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere where the mystery's solution brings despair rather than closure. The similarity lies in the fusion of crime plot mechanics with a overwhelmingly dark and heavy tone.

Unlock the Full Story of Soylent Green

Don't stop at just watching — explore Soylent Green in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Soylent Green is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Soylent Green Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Soylent Green, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Soylent Green Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Soylent Green

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Soylent Green. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Soylent Green

Soylent Green Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Soylent Green that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Soylent Green Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Soylent Green

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Soylent Green: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Soylent Green

Similar Movies to Soylent Green

Discover movies like Soylent Green that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.