Don't Look Up (2021)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
Two astronomers must race against time and public apathy to warn the world of an approaching comet that threatens to destroy human civilization.
The story
Two astronomers, Kate Dibiasky and Dr. Randall Mindy, discover a massive comet on a collision course with Earth. While they attempt to warn the public and the government, they face a wall of indifference from the media and the White House. As the threat becomes more imminent, the government's response is hampered by political maneuvering and corporate interests. The film explores the chaotic and often absurd ways society reacts to a looming existential threat, highlighting the disconnect between scientific reality and public perception.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Kate Dibiasky and Dr. Randall Mindy discover a comet that will cause a global extinction event in six months. They attempt to warn the public via a morning show, but the news is treated flippantly. The White House, led by President Janie Orlean, initially ignores them but later announces a plan to divert the comet using nuclear weapons. However, when billionaire Peter Isherwell discovers the comet contains valuable rare-earth elements, the government pivots to a plan to mine it. Public opinion becomes fractured between those fearing the comet, those hoping for economic gain, and those who deny its existence. As the comet becomes visible, a desperate social media campaign is launched to 'Just Look Up,' while the government promotes a 'Don't Look Up' campaign. A joint international mission fails, and the government's attempt to break the comet apart also fails. In the end, the comet strikes Earth, causing an extinction event. The film concludes with a mid-credits scene of a survivor on a distant planet and a post-credits scene of a survivor in the rubble.
- First release year
- 2021
- Runtime (minutes)
- 138
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Adam McKay
- Writers
- Adam McKay · screenplay; Adam McKay · story; David Sirota · story
- Cast and characters
- Leonardo DiCaprio · Dr. Randall Mindy; Jennifer Lawrence · Kate Dibiasky; Meryl Streep · Janie Orlean; Cate Blanchett · Brie Evantee; Rob Morgan · Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe; Jonah Hill · Jason Orlean; Mark Rylance · Peter Isherwell; Timothée Chalamet · Yule; Ron Perlman · Colonel Benedict Drask; Ariana Grande · Riley Bina; Scott Mescudi · DJ Chello
- Genres
- political satire; black comedy; science fiction; comedy
- Themes
- climate change; media indifference; political apathy
- Tone and mood
- satirical; absurd; humorous
- Premise and plot tags
- apocalyptic; disaster; science fiction
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on the effectiveness of its satire, while it was praised by climate activists and set records for viewership on Netflix.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 49 · scale: 100 · review count: 52
- Awards and nominations
- Writers Guild of America Awards · Best Original Screenplay · win
- Production trivia
- The film was originally set for a theatrical release by Paramount Pictures before being sold to Netflix.; The film features several scenes that were cut, including those involving actors Matthew Perry and Gina Gershon.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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