Image Credits: IMDb

Words By: Sellah Penteliuk  

A Netflix- produced movie took the reality that earth is inevitably dying and made a parody of it. The goal was to take a new approach to educate about the global warming crisis. ‘Don’t Look Up’ had a star-filled cast including; Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Jennifer Lawrence, Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep. With cameos including Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi, this movie was set to receive a lot of attention.  

The movie’s plot surrounded the idea that scientists discovered a meteorite that was on track to hit earth within six months and wipe out all of humankind. When the scientists took this information to the government, the government took it as a joke. When finally realizing the danger they were in, the government decided to have a new-upcoming tech company take charge of the destruction of the meteorite. The tech company promised that the resources found on the meteorite would provide new jobs and a booming economy. With the scientists doing their best to warn the public and fight against the government’s decisions, time was ticking. 

While I don’t want to reveal the ending, I genuinely believe that this was one of the most impactful movies I have watched in a few years. With climate change and the global warming crisis constantly watching over us, society and governments have failed to act accordingly. Scientists and experts can only say so much, and if we don’t believe them or trust them, then that’s on us. It’s the type of movie that you want to scream at the characters through your screen to do the right thing, but there’s something in your gut telling you that’s not going to happen. The solution felt so obvious for the audience but wasn’t for the characters in the movie.

I believe the movie is trying to portray a sense of embarrassment from the audience as we still have time to change our ways but constantly neglect the issue. The movie asks the question, when did we stop believing in science? When were the individuals who dedicated their lives to studying these complicated topics not smart enough, and we thought we knew more? The movie portrays the government as acting in a way that is in their best favour for their political party to win the next election… it seems concerningly realistic to what we see in reality.

I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should watch this movie and take a few moments to self-reflect afterwards. Ask yourself, why did the producers choose the go the comedic route? Is this an accurate reflection of how our society is living? Why did they get so many influential actors to participate? If this movie was telling of one thing, is that we better act, and act fast. The movie ‘Don’t Look Up’ took a new approach in delivering a very important message. Through humour and frustration, they were able to showcase what it means if society doesn’t listen to the facts.

Categories: Features

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