‘Don’t Look Up’: An A-List Apocalyptic Mess or a Misunderstood Masterpiece?

Harry Daisley, Year 1

Five Academy Award winners, two nominees and two Grammy winners—this is the cast of Adam McKay’s polarising, new sci-fi/satire ‘Don’t Look Up’. Featuring a remarkable proportion of Hollywood’s most loved alumni, including Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio and even Ariana Grande, one would expect this alone to evoke standing ovations from film critics across the board. But this comedy has proven hard to swallow for many industry experts, having numerous scathingly-hot reviews to its name. In fact, to some it has become an example of the most disastrous disaster movie of recent years. However, for every sceptic, there is a believer that McKay has struck gold with this apocalyptic tale, making this one of the most memorable motion pictures of the year. But where does The Worsley Times stand amongst the confusion? Is this movie a mere A-list apocalyptic mess or a misunderstood masterpiece? Most importantly, is it worth the watch?

Written, co-produced and directed by Adam McKay, ‘Don’t Look Up’ follows astronomers Dr Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky from Michigan State University, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, as they attempt to alert humanity of their discovery of an extinction level asteroid heading towards earth through a manic media tour. They face one single problem: no one believes them, not even apathetic U.S. President Orlean, played by Meryl Streep. With the world in denial, the pair of scientists are forced to plead for humanity to ‘just look up’ and see the science at face value, away from the convolution of politics, media and money that consumes the developing situation. Once the threat is identified as imminent the survival of the human race is put in the cold, incompetent hands of politicians and tycoons, provoking the pertinent question:

Can we trust those in power to manage our impending crises?

Such a plot seems timely amid a pandemic and climate crisis. However, the execution of certain messages can easily be accused of being patronising, heavy handed and downright clumsy. McKay’s screenplay is highly engaging and audience members from across the world will find deep pockets of dry humour littered throughout the plot. But when it comes to educating audiences, McKay falls short. The plot explicitly and cynically sheds light upon corruption, the pitfalls of a capitalist society and the blind ignorance of humanity in the face of crises, but in a way that is difficult to digest. This is partly due to the way McKay depicts humanity as a pack of blundering fools that refuse science, leaving audiences feeling bitter and resentful towards the blatant calls for change. Yet, it is the film’s star-studded cast, originally believed to be the film’s greatest asset, that becomes one of its greatest difficulties. McKay’s directorial style in ‘Don’t Look Up’ is very much grounded in the present day. He references common societal features such as meme culture and social media in the effort of making the perilous situation appear just a stone’s throw away from the lives of audiences. But when you mix this style with beloved Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill and Timothée Chalamet, the relatability of the storytelling wavers. Just when you begin to become absorbed by the potential reality of what is unfolding onscreen, a familiar face pops up from ‘Mamma Mia’ or ‘Call Me by Your Name’, distracting from McKay’s artistic intentions. Because of this, there are several moments that appear messy onscreen, amounting to a film that is far from perfect.

Nevertheless, the film’s messy nature is both charming and quirky, prompting the theory that McKay never set out to craft a ‘perfect’ film in the first place. Instead, he aspired to produce a provocative, engaging comedy that would get the world talking. If this was the case, McKay achieved what he set out to do. The film is highly entertaining both with witty writing and stellar performances from the cast. The serious moments are wrapped up in bizarre comedy which only aids their delivery, amounting to a plot that meanders like a body of water—beginning as a small spring, picking up pace and volume until it climaxes into a treacherous river. 

‘Don’t look Up’ holds many golden moments. DiCaprio’s portrayal of a socially anxious astronomer is highly convincing, despite the string of heartthrobs he has played in the past. Through his character, Dr Randall Mindy, DiCaprio accurately transmits the frustrations of ignored intellectuals, which closely mirror (or better yet, imitate) the struggles of scientists and activists who regularly have their data pushed aside by politicians. Throughout the pandemic, it has been observed that a spectrum of scientific logic is not always considered by national leaders when making decisions, making McKay’s perspectives only more pertinent to us as healthcare students. 

This leads to the all-important question, ‘Is It Worth The Watch?’. If you are in the mood for a seamlessly stylised, Oscar-worthy motion picture, I suggest you look elsewhere. However, if you are in search of a few laughs whilst watching your favourite A-listers unravel a bizarre plot of profound relevance, you are in for a treat. While ‘Don’t Look Up’ is not a perfect film, it has heart, it has an original perspective, and it has Ariana Grande in it for goodness’ sake! So, in answer to the big question—yes, I say look up and take a chance on this refreshing, discussion-generator of a movie.