Don’t Look Up Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Scientists discover space rock, try telling everyone, but end up fighting about it on Twitter while the world burns.

🍿 Don’t Look Up: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery and Initial Warning

Astronomy grad student Kate Dibiasky discovers a comet on a collision course with Earth. Her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, confirms the calculations, determining that the impact will cause a planet-wide extinction event within six months. They attempt to alert the White House, hoping to spur action to avert the impending disaster.

Political Apathy and Media Circus

President Orlean and her Chief of Staff, Jason, initially dismiss the threat, more concerned with political optics. Frustrated, Dibiasky and Mindy leak the information to the media, appearing on a morning talk show. However, the hosts trivialize the news, focusing on celebrity gossip instead. Kate’s outburst on air leads to her being mocked online, while Mindy gains notoriety for his calm demeanor.

Exploitation and Division

When the President becomes embroiled in a scandal, she seizes the comet as an opportunity to boost her approval ratings. However, tech billionaire Peter Isherwell discovers the comet is rich in valuable minerals and convinces the White House to exploit it commercially. This decision divides the public, sparking movements both for and against taking the threat seriously.

Failed Attempts and Final Moments

As the comet becomes visible, a joint effort by other countries to divert it fails. Isherwell’s plan to mine the comet also goes awry. Facing imminent destruction, Orlean and other elites flee Earth in a spaceship. Mindy, Dibiasky, and their friends and family gather for a final meal, accepting their fate as the comet impacts the planet.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio): An astronomer who becomes increasingly frustrated by the world’s apathy towards the impending comet strike.
• Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence): An astronomy grad student who discovers the comet and struggles to get the world to take the threat seriously.
• President Orlean (Meryl Streep): The self-absorbed President of the United States who is more concerned with her political image than saving the planet.
• Peter Isherwell (Mark Rylance): A tech billionaire who sees the comet as a business opportunity rather than a threat.
• Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan): The NASA scientist who tries to help Dr. Mindy and Kate navigate the political landscape and media circus.
• Jason Orlean (Jonah Hill): The President’s sycophantic son and Chief of Staff who embodies nepotism and incompetence.
• Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett): A superficial morning show host who prioritizes entertainment over serious news, leading to chaos.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kate Dibiasky: “Are we not doing this? Are they not listening to us? I’m sorry, but we are all 100% for sure gonna fucking die!” – Kate’s frustrated outburst on live television after the gravity of the situation is continuously downplayed.
• Dr. Randall Mindy: “I’m gonna say we’re probably looking at six to eight months until we don’t exist anymore.” – Dr. Mindy’s blunt and understated way to state the impending doom to the President and her staff.
• President Orlean: “I say we sit tight and assess.” – President Orlean’s dismissive response to the impending comet, prioritizing political strategy over immediate action.
• Dr. Randall Mindy: “We have a comet headed directly towards Earth! And the truth is, the government doesn’t care!” – Dr. Mindy’s breakdown during a news broadcast, frustrated with the lack of response from political figures.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $791,863

💥 Don’t Look Up Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Don’t Look Up’ really hit me hard! I went in expecting a comedy, but it was so much more. The scene where DiCaprio’s character snaps on live TV felt so real and raw – it made me think about how frustrating it must be to try and warn people about something they don’t want to hear. I was completely invested in those final moments around the dinner table, and the ending left me with a serious pit in my stomach. It’s a movie that will stay with me for a while!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in political satires”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts”
  • “Individuals concerned about climate change and social issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Some suggestive material”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Political satire that may offend some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A darkly funny and unsettling satire, ‘Don’t Look Up’ holds a mirror to our society’s indifference and denial in the face of existential threats. The star-studded cast delivers memorable performances that amplify the film’s message. Prepare to laugh and be deeply disturbed.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Adam McKay’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ is a bold and audacious film that tackles pressing issues with wit and absurdity. While the satire can be heavy-handed at times, the film’s urgency and relevance make it a compelling watch.
• The Guardian: “A star-studded cast and clever writing makes ‘Don’t Look Up’ a film that shines by combining comedic genius with a poignant message. The performances are stunning, and the comedic elements provide a buffer to the bleak reality portrayed in the film. It’s a must-see!

Audience Reactions

The film’s all-star cast delivered outstanding performances, making it a must-watch.: Viewers loved the film’s blend of dark humor and social commentary.

Many viewers found the film’s portrayal of media sensationalism and political indifference to be disturbingly accurate.: Fans appreciated the film’s bold and satirical take on contemporary issues.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking satire that blends humor and tragedy to highlight humanity’s struggles with apathy and denial.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Comedy)- 2022

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Adam McKay wrote the script based on journalist David Sirota’s story, drawing parallels to climate change denial and societal indifference to scientific warnings.”
• “Several cast members, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, took pay cuts to ensure the film’s impressive ensemble cast could be assembled.”
• “The film’s score was composed by Nicholas Britell, who also worked on ‘Succession’ and ‘Moonlight,’ adding to the movie’s blend of dark humor and dramatic tension.”

🖥️ How to Watch Don’t Look Up?

Don’t Look Up is currently available for streaming on Netflix. While it isn’t available for direct purchase, it can be viewed with a Netflix subscription. Keep an eye on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu, where it might become available for rental or purchase in the future. Check JustWatch for up-to-date streaming and rental options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Don’t Look Up, you might like these similar films:

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): Shares the same satirical tone, using dark humor to critique political and military absurdities in the face of global catastrophe.
• Idiocracy (2006): Explores themes of societal decay and the dumbing down of humanity, mirroring ‘Don’t Look Up’s’ commentary on public apathy and the rejection of expertise.
• The China Syndrome (1979): Reflects the late 70’s paranoia about corporate greed and governmental cover-ups, much like ‘Don’t Look Up’ warns about similar dangers.
• This Is the End (2013): A comedic take on the end of the world, focusing on celebrity culture and the human response to impending doom, similar to the celebrity satire in ‘Don’t Look Up’.

🛒 Don’t Look Up Related Products

• Don’t Look Up: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Complete your ‘Don’t Look Up’ experience with the official soundtrack, featuring original songs and score from the film. Perfect for reliving your favorite moments and feeling the film’s emotional depth. Digital download gives instant access.
• I Don’t Want To Die: Scientists’ Survival Guide to the Apocalypse: This survival guide is packed with expert advice on what to do when disaster strikes. Learn survival skills and emergency preparedness from top scientists. Make the apocalypse survival guide a conversation piece.
• Comet Strike Game: An engaging game that provides hours of fun. Save Earth, or let it be destroyed.
• The Last Table Dinner – Don’t Look Up Inspired Mug: Commemorate that emotional final dinner scene with this exclusive mug. Featuring a subtle design and a poignant quote, it’s a daily reminder of the film’s powerful message. High-quality ceramic for long-lasting use.

🎧 Soundtrack

Don’t Look Up features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Just Look Up” – performed by Ariana Grande & Kid Cudi
• “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ wit” – performed by Wu-Tang Clan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The truth behind Netflix’s “Don’t Look Up”

Ever wondered what a real-life scenario of a comet hurtling towards Earth would look like? Neil deGrasse Tyson dives into this fascinating topic, shedding light on the science behind the movie and offering valuable insights.

Brian Cox Breaks Down The Science Behind Don’t Look Up – SPOILERS! | Netflix

Want to know what a real scientist thinks about the movie? Brian Cox, a renowned physicist, analyzes the scientific accuracy of the film, sharing his expert insights on comet impacts and society’s response to scientific warnings.

Don’t Look Up: Satire or Something Else Entirely?

If you’re curious about the deeper meaning behind the movie, this video offers an insightful analysis of its satirical elements. The hosts delve into whether the film successfully uses humor to convey its message about climate change and societal apathy.

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