Don't Look Up

Two astronomers discover a comet on a collision course with Earth and try to warn anyone who will listen. One is a nervous, earnest scientist, the other a young, blunt observer whose data leaves no room for doubt. They go on a media tour to push the evidence into public view, confronting short attention spans, political calculus, celebrity spin, and a news cycle that treats existential danger like another headline. The film follows their escalating attempts to turn scientific urgency into public action, showing how information gets distorted, ignored, or repackaged until the stakes are treated like entertainment.

Directed by Adam McKay and co-created with David Sirota, the film premiered in 2021 and was released on Netflix after a limited theatrical run, featuring an ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and Rob Morgan.

Critics were divided, with many praising the performances and satirical intent while some felt the tone was uneven. Audience reaction landed around a 7.07/10 average from nearly 9,000 votes, reflecting strong interest and a fair amount of disagreement. Major themes include science denial, media spectacle, political self-interest, and how collective attention shapes policy.

The movie quickly became a cultural reference point, with the title phrase entering conversations about climate, public health, and misinformation. Moments from the film circulated widely as memes and discussion starters, and it sparked debates about satire, responsibility, and how pop culture handles real-world crises.

It attracted attention during awards season, earning nominations from several major awards bodies and recognition from critics groups for its cast and screenplay. While responses varied among juries and voters, the film's visibility and the strength of its ensemble made it a frequent topic in year-end lists and awards discussions.