The Netflix disaster-satire film Don’t Look Up is a clever allegory for humanity’s ineptitude in addressing climate change. It centers around a massive comet hurtling towards Earth, mirroring the impending threat of global warming. Rowan Hooper of the New Scientist podcast and climate change journalist Emily Atkin discussed their review of Don’t Look Up on the New Scientist Weekly podcast. They found the film both beautiful and cathartic, with intelligent humor that resonated with the audience.
The story follows two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who discover the planet-killing comet. They face the daunting challenge of convincing a media more interested in showbiz gossip and a climate-denying US president, portrayed by Meryl Streep, of the urgent threat. The film masterfully explores the frustrations faced by climate change journalists and activists.
Interestingly, the movie never directly mentions the terms “climate change” or “climate crisis,” relying instead on subtler references such as protesters holding signs that say “fossil fools.” The rich and powerful in the film are portrayed as more interested in exploiting the comet’s resources than acknowledging the impending disaster.
Atkin noted that the film accurately depicts impact deniers – those who acknowledge climate change but deny its catastrophic consequences. She praised the inclusion of diverse voices, such as Jennifer Lawrence’s character who channels the anger felt by many climate scientists and activists. Atkin even felt a personal connection to the character’s portrayal, recognizing the frustrations faced by herself and other climate writers.
The film’s co-writer, Adam McKay, wanted to explore the climate crisis in an engaging and funny way, and the idea took shape after a discussion with journalist David Sirota. The film’s ability to discuss the climate crisis without explicitly saying so is both effective and unexpectedly hilarious.
While the film’s impact on real-world emissions remains uncertain, its ability to raise awareness and spark conversations about climate change is essential. Ultimately, its message is to prioritize the people and places we love while valuing what is important in life.
Don’t Look Up is currently in theaters and will be available globally on Netflix starting December 24.
