Don’t Look Up (2021) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Don’t Look Up (2021), directed by Adam McKay, is a satirical science fiction film that blends dark humor with a biting critique of contemporary society, politics, and media. The film features an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, and Mark Rylance. The narrative focuses on the public’s and government’s reaction to a planet-killing comet hurtling toward Earth, serving as an allegory for the climate crisis and other global challenges.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), a Ph.D. candidate in astronomy, discovering a massive comet on a collision course with Earth. Along with her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), they calculate that the comet will impact Earth in about six months, causing a catastrophic extinction event.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, they attempt to warn the U.S. government, only to be met with indifference and political maneuvering. President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep) and her Chief of Staff, who is also her son, Jason Orlean (Jonah Hill), are more concerned with their approval ratings and upcoming midterm elections than with the impending disaster.
Frustrated by the lack of serious action, Kate and Randall take their message to the media, but they find that the public and the press are more interested in sensationalism and entertainment than the truth. The comet, despite being a scientifically verifiable threat, becomes a subject of partisan debate, with some denying its existence entirely.
As the clock ticks down, the film explores the absurdity of a world where facts are ignored, experts are sidelined, and distractions are plentiful. The situation spirals into chaos as humanity grapples with its impending doom, culminating in a powerful and thought-provoking climax.
Critical Reception
Don’t Look Up received mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics and audiences divided on its approach to satire and the heavy-handedness of its message.
Strengths:
- Star-Studded Cast: The film’s ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence shining as the desperate scientists. Meryl Streep and Jonah Hill add a layer of dark comedy as the oblivious and self-serving political figures, while Cate Blanchett is memorable as a superficial news anchor.
- Satirical Edge: Adam McKay’s direction and screenplay are sharp, with the film’s satire cutting deep into the failings of modern society. The absurdity of the situation is amplified to highlight the dangers of ignoring science, the pitfalls of media sensationalism, and the consequences of political incompetence.
- Relevant Themes: The film’s central theme of an existential threat being dismissed or downplayed for political or economic gain resonates strongly, particularly in the context of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. The film effectively captures the frustration felt by those who struggle to convey the seriousness of such issues to a distracted and divided world.
- Humor and Tragedy: The film successfully balances humor with tragedy, creating moments that are both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply unsettling. The satire is relentless, but it is also underpinned by a genuine concern for the state of the world.
Weaknesses:
- Heavy-Handedness: Some critics and viewers felt that the film’s satire was too blunt, lacking subtlety in its delivery of its message. The film’s portrayal of the media, politicians, and the general public as uniformly shallow and self-serving may feel exaggerated, even for a satire.
- Pacing and Length: At over two hours, the film can feel a bit long, with some scenes dragging as the same points are reiterated. The pacing might be uneven for some, particularly in the middle section.
- Polarizing Reception: The film’s approach to its subject matter is likely to divide audiences. Those who appreciate sharp, in-your-face satire will enjoy it, while others might find it too cynical or on the nose.
Themes and Analysis
Don’t Look Up is rich in themes that reflect contemporary societal issues:
- Denialism and Misinformation: The film highlights how denialism and misinformation can spread rapidly in the face of a crisis. The public’s apathy and the media’s focus on trivial matters over substantive issues mirror real-world challenges in addressing global threats like climate change.
- Political Apathy and Corruption: The portrayal of the government in Don’t Look Up underscores the dangers of political leaders who prioritize personal gain over public safety. The film’s depiction of a leader who manipulates and distracts the public rather than addressing a clear and present danger serves as a critique of political systems that fail their citizens.
- Media and Celebrity Culture: The film satirizes the role of the media in shaping public perception, often focusing on entertainment and scandal over important news. The celebrity culture, represented by characters more concerned with their image than with reality, plays into the film’s critique of a society obsessed with superficiality.
- Human Folly and Hubris: The film’s title itself is a metaphor for humanity’s tendency to ignore uncomfortable truths. The refusal to “look up” and acknowledge the comet reflects a broader unwillingness to face reality, a theme that resonates with the ongoing global challenges.
Where to Watch Don’t Look Up Online
Don’t Look Up is available for streaming on Netflix:
1. Streaming Services
- Netflix: The film was released directly on Netflix and is available for streaming with a subscription. Netflix provides easy access to the film worldwide.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
Since the film is a Netflix original, it is not available for rental or purchase on other platforms like Amazon Video, Google Play, or Apple iTunes. It remains exclusive to Netflix, making it necessary to have a subscription to watch.
Conclusion
Don’t Look Up (2021) is a provocative and timely film that uses satire to critique the modern world’s handling of serious issues. With a star-studded cast, sharp writing, and a relevant message, the film offers both entertainment and a sobering reflection on society’s priorities.
Whether you find the satire too heavy-handed or perfectly pitched, Don’t Look Up is a film that sparks conversation and thought about the state of the world and the consequences of ignoring the signs of impending disaster. Available exclusively on Netflix, it is a must-watch for those interested in dark comedies with a social conscience.
