American screenwriter and filmmaker, Adam McKay, is responsible for some of the funniest and most entertaining movies of the past two decades. With films such as 'Stepbrothers', 'Anchorman', 'The Other Guys' and 'Talladega Nights' on his directorial roster, the former SNL writer has made an impressive name for himself within the comedy genre of the film industry.
However, McKay's most recent movie 'Don't Look Up', whilst still causes the occasional giggle, discusses much more serious thought-provoking topics as opposed to his previous films. 'Don't Look Up' follows the story of Dr Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) in their attempts to warn the rest of the world about a recently discovered comet that is heading straight for earth.
In the process of doing so, the two low-level astronomers refuse to be taken seriously by the general public, despite their best intentions to warn them of this inevitable danger. With the end of the world and human existence looming, the pair do everything in their power to spread word of the comet, even though it may negatively impact their last few weeks on earth and the lives they have built.
One thing that must be stated about this film is that we are likely to never see another movie like it. The storyline is very unique and has clearly never been done before. The characters are so unique and detailed to the point where they could only have come from the imagination of McKay himself. From Timothee Chalamet's 'Yule' to Meryl Streep's 'President Orlean', every character has a unique and interesting trait that makes the movie all the more enticing and enjoyable.
Alongside the intriguing storyline and unique character traits, one of the most impressive aspects to this movie is the all-star cast. As if two leading protagonists portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio wasn't enough, they're joined by the likes of Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Mark Rylance, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry, Ariana Grande and Jonah Hill. This case is as stacked as they come and the talent shared across the entire ensemble is certainly portrayed on screen.
Although Lawrence and DiCaprio serve well in their duties of holding the film together and portraying two low-level astronomers, new to the world of fame and everything it entails, it is Timothee Chalamet who is the most surprising in the role of 'Yule', the free-living religious teenager that strikes up a romantic relationship with Lawrence's Dibiasky throughout their last few days on earth.
In a storyline that handles such strong subject matters as well as voices opinions on today's modern society, the comic relief served on a plate by the likes of Chalamet, Hill and Blanchett and Perry is much needed and rounds off the movie to the point where it is both enjoyable and educational. There are various occasions where the improvisation between cast members will have you in stitches via their quirky one-liners, in typical Adam McKay style.
Not only does this film serve the purpose of bringing laughter to it's audience members, but it also delivers a social commentary on today's modern society and how we react to largely broadcasted events such as 'the end of the world'. With the rise of social media and growing news outlets, in 2024 it is easy for word to be spread regardless of where you are in the world, and that is what happens in this film. However, one thing that can't be controlled is how people react to such news.
The characters of Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett) and Jack Bremmer (Tyler Perry) are a perfect example of how little people within the media care for such life-changing and dramatic events, refusing to take industry experts seriously and provide them with the respect they deserve.
Essentially, McKay uses this film to provide a perspective as to what he thinks would occur if the end of the world was really upon us. Would we believe it? Would we care? Would we be distracted by other, less irrelevant things going on in the world? All is answered in Adam McKay's Academy Award nominated production, 'Don't Look Up'.
Overall Rating: 7/10
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