Don't Look Up 2021
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Don't Look Up (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Kate Dibiasky, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, is an astronomy graduate student at Michigan State University who stumbles upon a previously unknown near-Earth object while using the Subaru Telescope. Her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, calculates the devastating truth: this comet is on a collision course with Earth, set to impact in just six months with the potential to wipe out all life as we know it. Following the internal confirmation from NASA, Mindy and Dibiasky, alongside NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office head Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe, find themselves at the White House to present their alarming discovery.
However, their meeting with President Janie Orlean and her chief of staff, Jason Orlean, results in indifference and procrastination. Despite the overwhelming evidence—a comet poised to strike Chile with the strength of a billion bombs—their warnings are met with mockery and disinterest. In a desperate attempt to spread the word, they decide to go public on a morning talk show hosted by Brie Evantee. The world remains distracted by celebrity news, specifically the volatile relationship between pop star Riley Bina and her boyfriend DJ Chello.
When Dibiasky expresses her panic on air, she faces ridicule and even loses her boyfriend, Phillip, who publicly disavows her. While Mindy gains some sympathy, the government continues to downplay the impending doom. The situation escalates as Orlean, embroiled in a scandal revealing inappropriate photos sent to a Supreme Court nominee, suddenly acknowledges the comet threat in a bid to save her approval ratings. She announces ambitious plans to intercept the comet, enlisting the help of General Benedict Drask to pilot the mission.
As Orlean rides a wave of popularity into the mid-term elections, the spacecraft is launched; however, it must regress after Peter Isherwell, a tech billionaire and another of Orlean’s major donors, reveals the comet’s lucrative rare-earth mineral content. Instead of preventing catastrophe, the focus shifts to commercial exploitation. Mindy is appointed as the National Science Advisor while Dibiasky is sidelined. The world divides between urgent pleas for destruction of the comet and those who believe mining it presents economic opportunities.
Amid growing unrest, Dibiasky returns home only to be rejected by her family who support the mining plan. She finds solace in a relationship with a teenager named Yule. Meanwhile, Mindy’s marriage to June crumbles under the weight of his infidelity, leading him to publicly confront the government’s negligence in the face of apocalypse. As the comet becomes visible from Earth, Mindy, Dibiasky, and Oglethorpe rally a campaign, “Just Look Up,” against Orlean’s dismissive “Don’t Look Up” initiative. Celebrities like Bina and Chello even step in to organize a concert supporting their cause.
Attempts by other nations to divert the comet fail spectacularly, just as BASH’s efforts turn disastrous, causing chaos in their plan. As hope dwindles, the wealthy elite, including Isherwell and Orlean, prepare to abandon Earth in a spacecraft. Mindy refuses a spot, opting to be with his loved ones as the countdown to impact ensues.
In a final rush of desperate efforts, the comet strikes, resulting in catastrophic loss. Unexpectedly, 22,740 years later, the small group that escaped awakens on a lush alien planet only to encounter swift and brutal demise at the hands of a creature known as the Bronteroc. The tragedy unfolds: humanity’s indifference leads to their extinction as the harsh reality sets in on their folly.
Timeline
Track the key events of Don't Look Up (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Discovery of the Comet
Kate Dibiasky, an astronomy graduate student, uncovers a previously unknown near-Earth object using the Subaru Telescope. This discovery marks the beginning of a race against time as they realize its potential to cause global extinction.
Profound Impact Calculation
Dr. Randall Mindy calculates that the comet is on a collision course with Earth, set to impact in just six months. The urgency of their situation becomes apparent as the magnitude of the disaster dawns on them.
Meeting with NASA
Following NASA's internal confirmation of the comet's path, Mindy and Dibiasky meet with Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe to discuss their shocking discovery. They realize they must take their findings to the highest levels of government.
Presentation to the President
In a critical meeting at the White House, they present the imminent threat to President Janie Orlean and her chief of staff, Jason. Despite the alarming evidence, their warnings are dismissed with apathy.
Going Public
In a desperate move to raise awareness, Mindy and Dibiasky appear on a morning talk show hosted by Brie Evantee. Their alarming message about the comet is overshadowed by trivial celebrity gossip, highlighting society's misplaced priorities.
Public Ridicule
Dibiasky's heartfelt panic on live television leads her to face considerable ridicule, and the fallout strains her personal relationships, including her boyfriend Phillip who publicly disavows her. This illustrates how the public is more concerned with celebrity news.
Political Scandal and Acknowledgment
As the government becomes embroiled in a scandal, Orlean is forced to acknowledge the comet threat in a desperate attempt to maintain her approval ratings. She announces plans to intercept the comet, signaling a change in approach.
The Launch of the Mission
The spacecraft is launched after General Benedict Drask is enlisted to lead the mission. However, the mission takes a turn when the focus shifts from destruction to mining the comet for its valuable resources after revelations from billionaire Peter Isherwell.
Divided Public Opinion
The world becomes increasingly divided over the comet's fate, with Dibiasky sidelined and Mindy appointed National Science Advisor. Some rally for destruction while others advocate for economic opportunity through mining.
Personal Struggles
Amid the chaos, Dibiasky finds herself isolated from family members who support the mining plan, while Mindy's marriage crumbles due to his infidelity. These personal circumstances reflect the broader societal issues at play.
Just Look Up Campaign
As the comet comes into view, Mindy, Dibiasky, and Oglethorpe launch the 'Just Look Up' campaign in opposition to Orlean’s dismissive approach. Their efforts gain traction with the help of celebrities joining their cause.
Failed Attempts to Divert the Comet
Multiple attempts by nations to divert the comet fail catastrophically, exacerbating the panic as time runs out. This highlights the dire nature of the situation as the global focus shifts dangerously.
Wealthy Elite Prepare to Escape
As impact nears, the wealthy elite, including Orlean and Isherwell, make plans to abandon Earth in a spacecraft. Mindy, however, declines a spot on the escape vessel, choosing to stay with his loved ones.
Catastrophic Impact
The comet strikes Earth, resulting in unparalleled devastation and loss of life. This event serves as a grave reminder of humanity’s failure to act on impending doom despite numerous warnings.
Awakening on an Alien Planet
22,740 years after the comet impact, a small group of survivors awakens on a lush alien planet. Their brief hope is dashed as they encounter a fierce creature, the Bronteroc, leading to their swift demise.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Don't Look Up (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kate Dibiasky
Kate Dibiasky is an astronomy graduate student with a tenacious spirit, driven by her discovery of the comet. Throughout the film, her vulnerability and frustration reveal her depth, as she faces ridicule and personal loss. Her journey symbolizes the struggle of truth-seekers in a world unwilling to listen.
Dr. Randall Mindy
Dr. Randall Mindy is a passionate and dedicated professor who balances scientific integrity with personal failings. His character reveals depth as he grapples with infidelity and the weight of responsibility for the world’s fate. Mindy evolves from a hesitant participant to a vocal advocate for attention to the comet threat.
President Janie Orlean
President Orlean embodies the political apathy towards existential threats, initially dismissing the comet's significance. Her character arc reveals how political motivations can lead to disastrous decisions, and she symbolizes the struggle between popularity and responsibility. Her manipulative nature shifts as circumstances change.
Jason Orlean
Jason Orlean serves as the chief of staff to President Orlean, reflecting the bureaucratic disinterest in urgent matters. His characterization explores themes of complicity and the inner workings of political power, often prioritizing personal gain over genuine concern for the world’s fate.
Yule
Yule is a teenager who provides emotional support to Kate during her tumultuous journey. His character represents the younger generation's hope and willingness to engage in the fight against existential crises. Their budding relationship offers a glimpse of solace amid chaos.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Don't Look Up (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
Set in contemporary times, the film captures the socio-political climate of the modern era, reflecting how governments and society react to scientific warnings. The film highlights the distractions of celebrity culture and the repercussions of negligence in the face of existential threats, showcasing a world grappling with pressing issues and misinformation.
Location
Earth, White House, Chile, Michigan State University
The movie takes place primarily on Earth, showcasing various locations such as the White House, where the protagonists go to inform the government about the impending comet disaster. Michigan State University plays a crucial role as the starting point of the discovery, highlighting the intersection of academia and pressing global issues. Chile is significant as the predicted impact site of the comet, emphasizing the global ramifications of the threat.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Don't Look Up (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Existential Threat
The looming comet represents a profound existential threat to all life on Earth. The film explores humanity's response to this crisis, revealing themes of denial, procrastination, and the struggle between immediate action and economic interests. It highlights how societal distraction can lead to disastrous consequences.
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Media Influence
Media's role in shaping public perception is critical to the narrative. The movie critiques how celebrity news often overshadows significant issues, demonstrating the power and responsibility of media in informing and engaging the public on urgent matters. It reveals how sensationalism can detract from genuine crises.
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Personal Struggles
Alongside global calamity, the film delves into personal relationships and emotional turmoil faced by the characters. Mindy's infidelity and Dibiasky's familial rejection mirror the broader themes of societal collapse. Their individual struggles add depth to the narrative, emphasizing that personal and collective crises often intertwine.
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