“Don’t Look Up,” was released to Netflix on Dec. 5, 2021. Though the movie has a few flaws, it poses an important question about societal values and the actions necessary to control the climate change crisis. Photo fair use of Netflix.
Released Dec. 5, 2021 on Netflix, “Don’t Look Up,” provides interesting social commentary on societal issues through its unique plot.
What would you do if you knew the world was about to end? That question comes to life in the new Netflix Original movie, “Don’t Look Up.”
The film, which was released exclusively to Netflix on Dec. 5, 2021 tells the story of two astronomers, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), who discover a world-destroying comet that is heading straight for Earth. The pair go on a press tour to warn the world of the impending doom, but nobody seems to be listening.
Throughout the film, citizens become so enveloped with other, less pressing issues that they forget what really matters: stopping the comet before it destroys Earth. The plot runs on the basis of a broad question: what really matters to human society as a whole?
The plot runs on the basis of a broad questions: what really matters to human society as a whole?
The film urges viewers to take action and listen to the scientists that are trying to warn them about the climate change crisis before it begins to cause critical problems.
Besides the message of the film, there are other aspects that make it an all-around enjoyable movie. Starring a variety of incredible actors, with highlights such as DiCaprio, Lawrence, Meryl Streep and Timothee Chalamet, the films’ characters are uniquely nuanced and share organic interactions that feel raw and authentic.
Director Adam McKay shows himself to be a visually focused director in “Don’t Look Up,” bringing the actors’ talent to light with his attention to detail and beautiful style of cinematography.
Despite the meticulousness of the camera work, however, the movie is too fast-paced and frequently cuts between different scenes, sometimes cutting off words, which could be frustrating for some viewers who long for more time to process the film’s content.
Although the movie’s message is one that many viewers will recognize, the film is rated R. As such, younger audiences should refrain from watching the film with its inclusion of strong language and brief graphic nudity.
“Don’t Look Up” is perfect for viewers who enjoy apocalyptic, realistic fiction plots, and will have audiences on the edge of their seats for the full length of the film.
