🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Todd Berger
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 28min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Eight friends have brunch, realize the world is ending, and spend the rest of the movie working through their relationship issues instead of dealing with the apocalypse.
🍿 It’s a Disaster: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Couples Brunch
Four couples gather for their regular Sunday brunch. Tracy brings her new boyfriend, Glen, to meet her friends, creating an awkward dynamic from the start. The couples include Emma and Pete, who are secretly planning a divorce, Shane and Hedy, an engaged couple with commitment issues, and Buck and Lexi, a free-spirited, open couple.

The Disaster Strikes
The brunch takes a catastrophic turn when a neighbor in a hazmat suit informs them that dirty bombs have been detonated in the city. Trapped in the house, the group grapples with the news and the realization that they are likely facing imminent death. Tensions rise as they struggle to cope with the situation and their relationships.

Secrets and Revelations
As the reality of their situation sinks in, long-held secrets and resentments surface. Infidelity, dissatisfaction, and suppressed desires are revealed, leading to heated arguments and emotional breakdowns. The couples confront their issues, knowing their time is limited.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Glen (David Cross): The newest boyfriend, brought to the brunch, who serves as an outsider observing the group’s unraveling.
- Tracy (Julia Stiles): Glen’s girlfriend, introducing him to her group of friends while dealing with her own anxieties.
- Emma (Erinn Hayes): The co-host of the brunch, secretly planning a divorce with her husband, Pete.
- Pete (Blaise Miller): The other co-host of the brunch, trying to maintain normalcy amidst a failing marriage.
- Hedy (America Ferrera): A chemistry teacher engaged for years, grappling with commitment issues during the crisis.
- Shane (Jeff Grace): Hedy’s fiancé, a conspiracy theorist who is oddly prepared for the end of the world.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Hedy: “Do you think that when we die, we have to wear the clothes we died in for all of eternity?” – Hedy ponders the afterlife while facing a potentially deadly situation.
- Buck: “No way. I bet we get those kickin’ white robes like you see in the old cartoons.” – Buck responds to Hedy with a more optimistic and humorous take on the afterlife attire.
- Hedy: “I look awful in white. Maybe Emma would let me borrow some sweats.” – Hedy continues to consider the practicalities of death and wardrobe.
- Buck: “I bet you get a sweet-ass harp too.” – Buck adds to his vision of the afterlife with a comedic image.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $500,000
- Domestic Gross: $60,818
- Worldwide Gross: $60,818
💥 It’s a Disaster Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘It’s a Disaster’! The concept is so unique, and the way the characters react to the apocalypse while dealing with their own personal dramas is hilarious. I especially enjoyed David Cross’s performance as the bewildered outsider. The scene where they argue about whether it’s ‘duct tape’ or ‘duck tape’ while the world is ending had me laughing out loud. It’s a dark comedy that really resonates, and I’ve already recommended it to all my friends. It makes you think, what would I do?
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy ensemble casts”
- “Those who appreciate independent films with witty dialogue”
- “People interested in films that explore relationship dynamics”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Adult themes”
- “Drug use”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Brief toilet humor”
- “Discussion of potentially disturbing end-of-life decisions”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A sharp, witty, and surprisingly poignant dark comedy that finds humor in the face of impending doom. The ensemble cast shines, delivering believable and hilarious performances as they navigate relationship woes and the end of the world.
- The A.V. Club: “Though the premise feels familiar, ‘It’s a Disaster’ distinguishes itself with its well-developed characters and sharp dialogue. The humor is dark and often uncomfortable, but it resonates because of the relatable anxieties and frustrations that drive the narrative.
- Film Threat: “A clever and entertaining indie comedy that explores the dynamics of relationships in the face of an apocalyptic event. The film is well-written, and the performances are strong. A low-budget gem.
Audience Reactions
The witty banter and dark humor had me laughing throughout the entire movie!: Viewers appreciated the clever writing, relatable characters, and unique take on the end-of-the-world scenario.
David Cross was hilarious as the awkward new boyfriend trying to navigate the insane brunch!: The cast’s performances were widely praised, particularly David Cross’s portrayal of Glen.
Overall Consensus: ‘It’s a Disaster’ is a quirky, dark comedy that offers a fresh perspective on the apocalypse genre. Its clever writing, strong performances, and relatable characters make it a worthwhile watch for fans of indie films and dark humor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Todd Berger based each character on various different stages of grief.”
- “The finale of Tchiakovsky’s 1812 Overture is heard just as the ending credits begin, a callback to the beginning when Glen turns the car radio off before that segment.”
🖥️ How to Watch It’s a Disaster?
As an independent film, “It’s a Disaster” may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check these services for availability and pricing. Additionally, it may be available for streaming through subscription services that feature independent films.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed It’s a Disaster, you might like these similar films:
- Coherence (2013): Explores interpersonal relationships amidst a strange, potentially world-altering event in a single location.
- This Is the End (2013): A group of friends confront the apocalypse with humor and self-aware character dynamics.
- Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012): Deals with the end of the world in a comedic and relationship-driven way.
- Right at Your Door (2006): Deals with the aftermath of a dirty bomb and its effects on a couple’s relationship.
- Carnage (2011): Similar claustrophobic setting with dark comedic view to relationship issues
🛒 It’s a Disaster Related Products
- Apocalypse Survival Kit: A comprehensive kit including essential supplies for surviving a disaster. Includes food, water purification, first aid, and communication tools to help navigate unforeseen events with confidence and peace of mind.
- The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made: Read about the making of Tommy Wiseau’s cult classic ‘The Room’. A behind-the-scenes look at the making of a ‘disasterpiece’ movie.
- Settlers of Catan Board Game: A classic board game of strategy and resource management perfect for passing the time in a confined space during a disaster. Challenge your friends and family to build settlements, roads, and cities while managing limited resources.
- Duck Brand Duct Tape: The ultimate multi-purpose repair tape. Use it to seal cracks, fix broken items, and create temporary solutions in emergency situations. Essential for any disaster preparedness kit.
🎧 Soundtrack
It’s a Disaster features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘It’s a Disaster’ is a dark comedy about four couples attending a Sunday brunch who find themselves trapped in a house after a series of dirty bombs are detonated in their city, forcing them to confront their relationships and mortality.
The primary filming location for ‘It’s a Disaster’ was a house located at 2261 W 21st Street, Los Angeles, California.
As of now, there is no sequel to ‘It’s a Disaster’. The ending is left open for interpretation, but there are no current plans for a follow-up film.
🔥 Bonus Content
It’s a Disaster pee scene
Remember that awkward, hilarious scene from “It’s a Disaster”? This clip perfectly captures the film’s absurd comedy and showcases just how uncomfortable things can get when the world’s ending and you *really* need to pee!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.