Don't Look Up
Parents say
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
Based on 57 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Don't Look Up
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Don't Look Up is a disaster movie satire with an A-list cast, including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Meryl Streep. In making the story about something that's unlikely to happen -- a comet hurtling to Earth that will wipe out humanity -- it has the freedom to cleverly mock many people's skeptical reaction to actual scientific revelations with major implications for our planet and environment. The destruction here is massive but exaggerated, though teens who grasp the underlying environmental themes may well be frightened at the peril. There's also a death, but it's purposely ridiculous. Drugs are smoked, popped, and referenced, and one character smokes cigarettes regularly. There's full-frontal nudity in a nonsexual context, as well as a close-up of breasts during sex. Strong language throughout includes "s--t," "f--k," and an older White man (who's intended to be perceived as racist) making politically incorrect statements. Watch through the credits for a funny final scene.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Infuriatingly good
Report this review
What's the Story?
In DON'T LOOK UP, astrophysics graduate student Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) spots a killer comet headed straight for Earth. As she and her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), try to alert the world to its impending doom, they realize that science has to get through the government and media gatekeepers who shape public perception. The all-star cast also includes Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Ariana Grande, Tyler Perry, Ron Perlman, Mark Rylance, Himesh Patel, Rob Morgan, Melanie Lynskey, Michael Chiklis, and Kid Cudi.
Is It Any Good?
Adam McKay's clever doomsday satire is hilariously terrifying, a serio-comedy that's intended to shake viewers out of their seats. It's not as zippy as his The Big Short or as preposterously believable as Vice. But once you fully appreciate that this is an earnest endeavor, it makes sense. As a piece of entertainment, the tone is heavy-handed, but as a desperate plea for change, it's perfect.
In Don't Look Up's bizarro world, we recognize the upside-down characters who are pretty close to the real thing. For example, Streep plays a narcissistic president whose top aide is her son, and Grande is an exaggerated version of herself. But Lawrence's Kate is meant to be the relatable person that viewers can identify with, especially teens. She's just a grad student who happened to be in the middle of her shift at the school planetarium when she spotted the comet. Along with Dr. Mindy (DiCaprio is brilliant as an anxiety-ridden instructor), she tries to alert authorities about the impending world-ending natural disaster in the hopes that it can be prevented -- and is rightfully aghast at the lack of concern she encounters at every turn. What Kate and Dr. Mindy experience is humorously outlandish, and yet, like all good comedy, it's funny because it's painfully true. But good comedy can also help medicine go down. The writers' mantra "show, don't tell" is used here incredibly effectively -- but will it be enough to get viewers to insist on change?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Don't Look Up's message. Did it move you to take action? If not, what do you think might?
How can satire be an effective way to help viewers shift their perspective? Do you think any group might feel offended by this film? Do you think it's likely to create change?
Do you consider any of the characters to be role models? Why, or why not? Which characters show integrity?
Discuss the teamwork and perseverence demonstrated here, both from the characters in the context of the story and also from the cast in working together to deliver a message.
How does Don't Look Up demonstrate the necessity of critical thinking? What do you think scientists can do to be heard?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 10, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: December 24, 2021
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep
- Director: Adam McKay
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 138 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, some sexual content, graphic nudity and drug content
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
How It Ends
Drugs, swearing, sex talk in unique, self-reflective comedy.
-
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
Last-minute life lessons in poignant romantic dramedy.
-
This Is the End
Language, drugs, death in very funny doomsday movie.
-
Greenland
Death, destruction in intense, harrowing disaster flick.
-
Finch
Heart, humor, hope in sci-fi road dramedy; peril, language.
-
The Lorax
Dr. Seuss classic is cute, but watch for product tie-ins.
-
Mars Attacks!
Alien-invasion satire for older tweens and up.
-
Dr. Strangelove: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Black-comedy Kubrick classic has violence, dark themes.
-
Idiocracy
Vulgar satire manages to be both stupid and smart.
For kids who love entertainment with something to say
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate