What I liked
Much has been said in other reviews about the quality of the concept, the writing, and the stage design, which are all essentially perfect. I would like to add that, in an occupation, it’s one thing to win minds, but another thing completely to win hearts. The performances of all four Life Plan presenters (not sales people) were a glorious mix of David Miscavige, Tony Robins, Steve Jobs, and Jim Jones, with an insidious current of dramatic tension designed to burst to the surface in the second half of the presentation. The religious quality of the enlightenment witnessed is so convincing that despite one’s better judgment, you will be seriously considering the balance between quality of life vs quantity of life.
What I didn't like
Everything was so thoughtfully attended to that my only criticism is just a personal preference; I’d like to see a few more breakdowns and unhinged elements to further complicate the existential stakes, but the extreme level of control demonstrated if hugely effective and impressive as-is (maybe I just want to see more of this world from the perspective of those who have escaped Life Plan).
My overall impression
By the end, I was seriously considering getting on the armored bus waiting outside. Matthew and his team were so frighteningly persuasive that, if they don’t actually intend to sell Life Plan, they should quit their current jobs and work together to sell SOMETHING; they would generate a lot of revenue (and, given the subtle philosophical arguments being made in the show, might know how to use it to avoid our totalitarian fate).
