Plot Summary
Astronomy graduate student Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), make a shocking discovery: a massive comet is hurtling toward Earth. After precise calculations, they determine that in approximately six months and 14 days, the comet will collide with the planet, leading to humanity’s extinction.
Determined to warn the world, they travel to Washington, D.C., and secure a meeting with U.S. President Orlean (Meryl Streep). However, she dismisses their warning due to political considerations. Desperate, they turn to the media, appearing on a morning talk show to spread awareness. Unfortunately, the hosts treat the issue lightly, and the public fails to take the threat seriously.
Despite their best efforts, sensationalist media downplays the crisis, and instead of heeding the warning, people mock Kate and Randall’s concerns. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley tech billionaire Peter Isherwell (Mark Rylance) proposes an alternative plan: mining the comet for its rare minerals. The government shifts its focus from planetary defense to economic gain, prioritizing profits over survival.
As the comet gets closer, society remains divided. Scientists are ignored, the media sensationalizes trivial matters, and politicians exploit the situation for short-term benefits. The crisis sparks two opposing political movements: “Look Up”, urging people to acknowledge the truth, and “Don’t Look Up”, promoting denial.
In the end, the comet collides with Earth, wiping out civilization. As chaos unfolds, President Orlean, facing plummeting approval ratings, attempts to use Kate and Randall to boost her popularity. A last-ditch nuclear strike to destroy the comet fails, sealing humanity’s fate.
In their final moments, Dr. Mindy, Kate, and their loved ones gather for one last meal, expressing gratitude for each other as they face the inevitable.
A post-credits scene reveals that a group of ultra-wealthy elites escaped Earth in a spaceship, only to meet a bizarre demise upon arriving on a new planet—further reinforcing the film’s satirical tone.
Movie Review: A Dark Satire on Modern Society
Don't Look Up (2021), a Netflix original film, is a dark comedy that satirizes how society, politics, and media handle existential threats. While it follows the structure of a disaster movie, its true focus lies in critiquing the absurdity of modern civilization.
The film highlights how celebrity gossip and social media distractions take precedence over real-world dangers. It exposes how politicians manipulate crises for personal gain, and how corporations prioritize profit over humanity’s survival. Beneath its humor, the movie delivers a biting critique of society’s failure to respond to scientific warnings.
At its core, Don't Look Up mocks the superficiality of mainstream media, the greed of corporate leaders, and the incompetence of those in power. Even in the face of extinction, people are more concerned with trending hashtags than their own survival.
This film serves as a stark reminder of what truly matters, offering sharp social commentary wrapped in dark humor. While its message is grim, its execution is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making Don't Look Up a must-watch for those who appreciate satirical storytelling.
Why You Should Watch "Don't Look Up"
✅ A thought-provoking critique of modern society
✅ Brilliant performances from an all-star cast
✅ A mix of dark humor and hard-hitting realism
✅ A satirical take on media manipulation and political corruption
Have you watched Don't Look Up? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇