Movie Review: Don’t Look Up

Don’t Look Up

Today, I watched an intriguing science fiction film on Netflix titled Don’t Look Up, directed by Adam McKay. Released on December 10, 2021, this apocalyptic satire offers a sharp critique of modern society.

I first heard of this film during my master's classes on Globalization and the Future of Postcolonial Studies. Barad Sir referenced it in the context of environmental crises, particularly drawing upon Ania Loomba's insights from her seminal works. Watching the film today reminded me of those discussions and brought these pressing issues to life in a way only cinema can.

Trailer of the Film:

The movie, a black comedy with undertones of tragedy, brilliantly addresses heavy topics through humor. The story follows a comet discovered by Kate Dibiasky, a doctoral candidate in astronomy. Dr. Randall Mindy, her professor, confirms that this comet, hurtling toward Earth, is on a collision course that will destroy the planet in six months and fourteen days.

What follows is a scathing commentary on political apathy, media sensationalism, and societal denial. When Kate and Dr. Mindy present their findings to the President of the United States, Janie Orlean, and her Chief of Staff (who also happens to be her son), they are met with indifference and a shocking lack of urgency. Frustrated by the administration's inaction, they turn to the media, only to find that even the gravest of news is trivialized and overshadowed by celebrity gossip.

The comet becomes a polarizing issue. The government’s initial attempt to destroy it is abruptly abandoned in favor of a profit-driven scheme led by Peter Isherwell, a tech billionaire. His plan to mine the comet’s valuable minerals epitomizes corporate greed, while the political leadership further misleads the public by launching the cynical campaign “Don’t Look Up.”

As the comet becomes visible in the sky, society spirals into chaos. Some deny its existence outright, others fall prey to conspiracy theories, and a few rally behind the scientists’ desperate plea to “Just Look Up.” Tragically, these efforts come too late. The comet collides with Earth, triggering an extinction-level event. Meanwhile, the elites escape to a distant planet, leaving the masses to face their doom—a stark metaphor for the inequality and self-preservation of the powerful.

Watching this film, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to our real world. The behavior of the political leaders—minimizing the catastrophe to protect their interests—felt disturbingly familiar. It is a sobering reminder of how those in power often prioritize personal gain over collective well-being, even in the face of imminent danger.

The film also critiques the role of media, which often prioritizes entertainment over substantive issues. The anchors’ flippant remarks about the comet—jokingly suggesting it target an ex-spouse—reflect the absurdity of modern news culture, where critical issues are buried under frivolous headlines.

Don’t Look Up is a biting allegory of humanity’s greatest flaws: denial, greed, and apathy. It holds up a mirror to our times, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about climate change, political corruption, and societal complacency. The film left me pondering a haunting question: if faced with a catastrophe of this scale, would we act any differently?

For me, the most poignant moment was when the comet became visible, and the scientists’ warnings—dismissed for so long—finally came true. It was a terrible sight, made worse by the realization that those with the power to prevent disaster chose to save themselves instead.

The film’s ending was particularly chilling. When the elites wake up on a distant planet and marvel at its pristine beauty, their encounter with a native creature is a darkly humorous reminder of the absurdity of their hubris. It underscores the film’s central message: no amount of wealth or privilege can shield humanity from the consequences of its collective irresponsibility.

Ultimately, Don’t Look Up is not just a story about a comet but a profound commentary on the state of humanity. It warns us about the consequences of ignoring science, trusting incompetent leadership, and valuing profit over survival. As the credits rolled, I couldn’t help but reflect: how long can we continue down this path before reality catches up with us?

Key Reflections:

1️⃣ Political Irresponsibility: The film brilliantly highlights the negligence of those in power, who prioritize personal gain over collective well-being. It’s a biting critique of how governments often ignore or downplay real threats.

2️⃣ Media Satire: The role of media as a distractor rather than an informer is painfully accurate. The obsession with trivial stories while sidelining urgent issues mirrors the reality we witness daily.

3️⃣ Environmental Parallels: The comet serves as a metaphor for the environmental crises we face today—deforestation, mining, pollution, and climate change. Just like in the movie, these issues are often ignored or exploited by those in power.

4️⃣ Human Apathy: The division among people—those who deny, those who mock, and those who ignore—is a sharp reminder of how misinformation and complacency can blind society to imminent dangers.

This film serves as a wake-up call to look beyond the distractions, hold those in power accountable, and, most importantly, to "Just Look Up." 🌍🚀

Note: The language of thi blog is refined with the assistance of ChatGPT.