Review of Don't Look Up (2021) by Rebecca31 — 11 Jan 2022

Adam McKay has managed to create a funny, satirical disaster movie that is the most accurate depiction of what would happen if today's world was faced with the 100% chance of an asteroid destroying earth. The reaction to the world's imminent end is both hilarious and terrifying. Don't Look Up may not be for everyone but I loved it.

Astronomers Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make the terrifying discovery that a comet is heading straight for earth and without immediate action this "planet killer" will end life as they know it in 6 months. After a dissatisfying meeting with President Meryl Streep the two astronomers go on a media tour to warn the world of their discovery. They are left further shocked when the entire population doesn't seem to care that an asteroid is hurtling towards earth.

If I could sum up Don't Look Up in one word it would be chaotic. Very much drawing a lot of inspiration from real life events you're left feeling like "oh sh!t, this is scarily close to how we'd react to an incoming asteroid, we really are all gonna die." It's a darkly funny take on a genre that's been done again and again. Rather than a disaster movie with "insert generic end of the world catastrophe here" that can only be saved by a rugged Gerard Butler type action hero, Don't Look Up sets up the end of the world scenario and then focuses on how humans as a whole react or rather don't react. Also taking in the impact of social media, corrupt politicians and billionaires looking to seize on the opportunity. Along with Adam McKay's witty script you also has a wonderful star studded cast, so what's not to love? After the last two years I needed a good laugh and Don't Look Up certainly did the trick.

What more do I need to say? If you haven't already taken the time over the Christmas break to watch Don't Look Up then be sure to check it out. It might be a little dragged out in the beginning but I assure you it's worth the wait. Recommended for all those film buffs who love a good disaster movie.