Don't Look Up - movie review

Don’t Look Up is a darkly comic, satirical movie that takes a critical look at the celebrity-worshipping, politically driven, and infotainment-obsessed Society of America. The movie centres on Dr Randall Mindy, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who has evidence that a comet will destroy the Earth in just six months.

Despite Mindy's proof, President Janie Orlean, portrayed by Meryl Streep, is more concerned about the upcoming midterms and nude photos of her boyfriend. As the story unfolds, the film takes aim at political elites, tech billionaires, and mass and social media.

Although Don’t Look Up has received mixed reviews, with a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has also been nominated for best picture awards.

The National Board of Review named it one of the top movies of 2021, and the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Movie Awards gave it the best picture nominations.

However, critics from all political segments of the mainstream media have attacked the movie, with many criticizing its satiric tone and dark humour. Some have accused the film of being overly smug and excessively pessimistic.

Despite these criticisms, Don’t Look Up is an expertly made comedy that bristles with witty, incisive details. Its script is effective, and its dramatic arc is well-executed. Although director Adam McKay is known for his broad sketch comedies, Don’t Look Up has some subtleties that make it stand out. The first few scenes, which depict the discovery of the comet's size and destructive course, are not played for laughs. Instead, they set up a tension that is palpable.

The movie's satirical tone is set up when Mindy and his assistant, doctoral candidate Kate Dibiasky, played by Jennifer Lawrence, are taken to Washington, D.C., to meet the president. President Orlean's self-serving attitude is highlighted when she dismisses the chances of the comet's impact, preferring to focus on the midterms and her boyfriend's nude photos.

The film's satire takes aim at a society that is too consumed with politics, social media, and celebrity worship to take the impending destruction of Earth seriously.

The film's cast is excellent, with DiCaprio and Lawrence giving solid performances. Meryl Streep's portrayal of the shallow, self-serving President Orlean is a standout, as is Cate Blanchett's character, a news anchor who prioritizes ratings over the impending apocalypse.

Overall, Don't Look Up is a clever, well-made satire that takes a critical look at American society's failings.

Although some have criticized its dark humour and satirical tone, the movie's strong performances and witty script make it worth watching. If you're a fan of political comedies, then Don't Look Up is a must-watch.

The casting in Don't Look Up is another strength. DiCaprio delivers one of his best comedic performances, showing that he can be just as convincing in a satire as in a serious drama. Jennifer Lawrence is equally impressive, bringing a mix of wit and vulnerability to her role.

Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett, both Oscar-winning actresses, are perfectly cast as the self-serving president and her sycophantic news anchor.

The film's themes are as relevant as they are alarming. The rampant anti-science sentiment that plagues society, the political corruption that prioritizes self-interest over the greater good, and the insidious influence of social media are all explored with biting humour. Don't Look Up is a scathing commentary on the current state of the world, and it doesn't hold back.

One of the most impressive aspects of Don't Look Up is the way it manages to balance humour and pathos.

While the film is undeniably funny, it never loses sight of the fact that its subject matter is deadly serious. The impending doom of the comet and the characters' desperate attempts to get people to take it seriously is played for both laughs and genuine emotion. The result is a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

In conclusion, Don't Look Up is a brilliantly executed satire that skewers modern society's worst tendencies with wit, intelligence, and an all-star cast.

Despite its divisive reception among critics, the film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates bold, politically charged comedy that doesn't pull punches. With its mix of dark humour and genuine pathos, Don't Look Up is one of the best films of 2021 and a testament to the enduring power of satire in a troubled world.