Chapter 1: The Premise of 'Don’t Look Up'

Recently, I found myself drawn to the current #10 trending film on Netflix in the UK, 'Don’t Look Up.' The plot revolves around two scientists who stumble upon a massive nine-kilometer-wide meteorite on a collision course with Earth. Their attempts to alert the President lead to a chaotic series of events filled with politics, social media distractions, and societal issues.

While I usually ignore trending films in favor of my personal preferences, I was compelled to watch this one due to the presence of my favorite actors, Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, along with a stellar supporting cast that includes Ariana Grande, Meryl Streep, Chris Evans, and Jonah Hill.

Despite its IMDb rating of 7.3/10, it received a mere 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, a rating I find unjust. For me, the film delivered a direct opening, comedic elements, a coherent narrative, a surprising twist, and an emotionally resonant conclusion, earning it an 8.8/10 in my book.

The film's most captivating aspect is its realistic message and the thought-provoking scenarios it presents.

Would you heed the warning if the world was coming to an end?

Do you recall the fear surrounding December 21, 2012, when many believed the world would end due to an ancient Maya prediction? As a teenager, I was terrified, frequently debating with friends about the possibility of an apocalypse.

Ultimately, life went on as usual. I remember being dropped off at school that day, filled with anxiety and uncertainty about seeing my mother again, and holding on to her a bit tighter as I said goodbye.

Well, here we are, years later, and 2012 came and went without incident. However, if a government or a panel of renowned scientists were to announce an impending meteor impact capable of causing mass extinction, would you trust them to avert the disaster?

In October 2021, a refrigerator-sized asteroid narrowly passed Earth, and NASA was unaware of its approach. According to Live Science, this close encounter took place within 1,800 miles of our planet—closer than some satellites.

Perhaps it’s time for me to invest in my own telescope.

The harsh reality is, if a nine-kilometer meteorite were truly headed our way, a significant portion of the population would probably dismiss it. It would be labeled as a hoax, government propaganda, or some form of alien warning.

This is precisely what 'Don’t Look Up' critiques. The film illustrates how social media and politics cloud our judgment, leading many to blindly follow others rather than think critically.

Nowadays, factual information seems to have little weight unless it's trending on social media. If it hasn't been reported by major news outlets, it might as well be fiction. If it doesn’t impact us directly at this very moment, we tend to overlook it. It exemplifies our craving for immediate gratification.

Have you seen the film 'Contagion'? Many conspiracy theorists drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic. Could 'Don’t Look Up' be a reflection of our reality? Only time will tell.

Like many films, 'Don’t Look Up' has faced its share of criticism. Forbes highlighted that critics found it uncomfortable to watch and feared it might be mocking people. To me, these criticisms seem misguided. Is the discomfort a reflection of the truths the film portrays? Are critics upset because it challenges their perspectives?

Regardless, I urge everyone to watch this film. Yes, it runs a bit over two hours, but I found every moment engaging and was moved to tears by the conclusion.

On a final note, the asteroid 99942 Apophis is predicted to threaten Earth in 80,000 years. Have a great day!

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Chapter 2: The Underlying Themes

This video explores the deeper messages and ending of 'Don't Look Up', providing insights into its themes and societal implications.

In this review, the creator discusses the film's execution and its commentary on modern society, encouraging viewers to reflect on its relevance.