Don’t Look Up (2021)

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance

Review Author: Tony

Synopsis: When two astronomers discover an extinction-level meteorite on a crash course to Earth they do their best to warn their own government. However, the more they try to get the message out the more they face scrutiny, hostility and fake concern from an increasingly politicized landscape where everyone is looking after their own interests first.

One of the grandest illusions of my childhood was harbouring the belief that adults possessed an innate wisdom, maturity, and sensibility that set them apart. “Don’t Look Up,” a satire directed by Adam McKay, obliterates such illusions with the subtlety of a meteorite crashing into Earth. Interestingly, the film faced heavy criticism for its apparent heavy-handedness, a critique that raises the question: Isn’t that precisely the sledgehammer approach the film intended to wield?

The divisive reception might boil down to the film’s tone. McKay seems to adopt a somewhat condescending stance in his filmmaking, holding up a mirror and unabashedly proclaiming how foolish we, as a society, appear. While some may interpret this approach as insulting, I find it oddly endearing, serving as a complementary element to McKay’s comedic style. As someone who has grown disillusioned with the daily antics of world leaders sidestepping genuine issues in favour of perpetuating culture wars over non-issues, witnessing McKay point and laugh at this collective absurdity feels almost cathartic.

The film boasts a stacked cast and introduces some genuinely hilarious characters. Mark Rylance’s portrayal of the modern tech guru is a comedic study of the uncanny, capturing the bizarre essence of Silicon Valley’s finest. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character undergoes an entertaining journey as sudden attention and stardom warp his morals. DiCaprio deftly navigates this transformation, injecting humour into the character’s descent into moral ambiguity.

The film’s primary misstep lies in its tendency to overstay its welcome, stretching its runtime a tad too long for comfort. Also, in those instances where “Don’t Look Up” attempts sincerity, it grapples with the overarching indulgent tone that defines the majority of the film. The transition from biting satire to moments of earnestness feels abrupt, creating a sense of tonal inconsistency. The film’s strength lies in its unapologetic approach to mockery and humour, and when it momentarily deviates into earnestness, the tonal shift can be jarring. This creates a somewhat disjointed impression as if the film is torn between two conflicting identities—the sharp-witted satirist and the more earnest social commentator.

“Don’t Look Up” stands as a solid and often hilarious satire. Despite these noted flaws, I found myself thoroughly entertained throughout. The film’s unapologetic approach to satire, coupled with standout performances, makes it a worthwhile watch. It doesn’t shy away from its heavy-handedness; in fact, it revels in it. While this approach may have ruffled a few feathers, for those willing to embrace its unique brand of humour, the experience is undeniably enjoyable. The film successfully taps into the absurdity of our times, offering a satirical mirror that reflects

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