Don’t Look Up
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 10, 2021 (Limited Release)
December 24, 2021 (Netflix)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Satire
Cast & Crew
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Dr. Randall Mindy
- Jennifer Lawrence as Kate Dibiasky
- Meryl Streep as President Janie Orlean
- Jonah Hill as Jason Orlean
- Cate Blanchett as Brie Evantee
- Rob Morgan as Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe
- Mark Rylance as Peter Isherwell
- Tyler Perry as Jack Bremmer
- Timothée Chalamet as Yule
- Ariana Grande as Riley Bina
- Kid Cudi as DJ Chello
Director
Adam McKay
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Big Short (2015)
- Vice (2018)
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
- Step Brothers (2008)
- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Producer
- Adam McKay
- Kevin Messick
Writer
- Adam McKay
Budget
$75 million
Production Company
- Hyperobject Industries
- Bluegrass Films
Running Time
138 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Sexual content
- Some drug use
- Thematic elements involving global catastrophe
Movie Story
Don’t Look Up is a biting satirical comedy that tackles the absurdities of modern society, media culture, and political ineptitude in the face of an impending global catastrophe. The story revolves around Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), an anxious but brilliant astronomer, and his PhD student, Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), who discover a massive comet on a collision course with Earth. The comet is large enough to cause an extinction-level event, but their desperate attempts to warn the world are met with indifference, skepticism, and outright denial.
As Randall and Kate bring their discovery to the highest levels of government, they encounter President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep), a self-serving leader more concerned with her approval ratings than with addressing the imminent disaster. Her son and Chief of Staff, Jason Orlean (Jonah Hill), is equally dismissive, treating the scientists’ warnings as little more than an inconvenience.
The film explores the media’s role in shaping public perception, as Randall and Kate are forced to navigate talk shows, social media, and public opinion to try and get their message across. They meet with media personalities like Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett) and Jack Bremmer (Tyler Perry), who trivialize the crisis for entertainment value. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Peter Isherwell (Mark Rylance) sees the comet not as a threat, but as a business opportunity, pushing his own agenda under the guise of innovation.
As the comet draws nearer and the world descends into chaos, the film highlights the dangers of misinformation, political opportunism, and the public’s willingness to ignore inconvenient truths. In the end, Don’t Look Up serves as a darkly comedic reflection on humanity’s collective response to crises, underscored by sharp performances and Adam McKay’s signature blend of humor and social commentary.
Special Effects
The special effects in Don’t Look Up are used effectively to depict the looming threat of the comet and the eventual catastrophic impact. The film balances its satirical tone with moments of tension and realism, particularly in the portrayal of the comet’s approach and the final scenes of destruction. The effects complement the film’s narrative, enhancing the stakes without overshadowing the film’s comedic and dramatic elements.
Box Office Performance
Don’t Look Up had a limited theatrical release followed by a wide release on Netflix, where it became one of the platform’s most-watched films, accumulating millions of views within weeks. While it didn’t rely on box office performance, the film generated significant buzz and conversation, becoming a cultural touchstone for its commentary on current events and societal issues.
Filming Locations
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Brockton, Massachusetts, USA
- Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
Notable Quotes
- “We’re all 100% for sure going to f**king die!” – Kate Dibiasky
- “The truth is way more depressing. They’re not even smart enough to be as evil as you’re giving them credit for.” – Dr. Randall Mindy
- “Just look up!” – Riley Bina
Behind-the-Scenes
Adam McKay developed Don’t Look Up as a response to the growing frustrations over climate change denial and the public’s response to scientific warnings. The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a layer of irony and urgency to its themes. The cast, composed of A-list stars, brought a mix of comedy and gravitas to the film, with many actors improvising their lines to capture the absurdity of the situations.
Awards
- Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture
- Nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Nominated for 6 BAFTA Awards, including Best Original Screenplay
Final Verdict
Don’t Look Up is a sharp, timely satire that holds a mirror up to society’s flaws in dealing with global crises. Its blend of humor, social commentary, and star-studded performances make it both entertaining and thought-provoking. While its tone may be divisive, the film succeeds in sparking discussion about important issues, making it a standout piece of cinematic social critique.
IMDb Rating
7.2/10