Don’t Look Up (2021), directed by Adam McKay, is a sharp and darkly comedic satire that examines humanity’s often flawed responses to urgent global threats. Set in a world that mirrors our own, the film follows Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), two astronomers who discover a comet on a collision course with Earth. With just six months to avert planetary annihilation, they face a monumental challenge: convincing a distracted, disinterested, and self-serving society to take action.
The astronomers’ mission to warn the world is hindered at every turn. The President of the United States (Meryl Streep) and her sycophantic Chief of Staff and son (Jonah Hill) dismiss their warnings as politically inconvenient. Meanwhile, sensationalist media outlets, led by anchors played by Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry, trivialize the crisis for entertainment value. The astronomers’ pleas for action are further undercut by billionaire tech mogul Peter Isherwell (Mark Rylance), who views the comet as a financial opportunity rather than a threat.
As the clock ticks down, the duo faces an uphill battle to rally the public and navigate a fractured, denial-ridden society. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a rebellious skater boy (Timothée Chalamet), pop star Riley Bina (Ariana Grande), and her rapper boyfriend DJ Chello (Kid Cudi), who each play roles in shaping public perception of the crisis.
Don’t Look Up received acclaim for its ensemble cast and biting humor, though its blunt messaging about science denial and societal apathy sparked polarizing reactions.
The film blends absurdity with sobering truths, offering a stark and entertaining reflection on humanity’s struggles to address global challenges, from climate change to misinformation.
