Skip to main content
Netflix new ‘asteroid to hit Earth’ offering misses the point
PETE STEVENSON compares Don’t Look Up, the most recent offering by the network, to Armageddon classics and finds it wanting on several counts
(L to R) Meryl Streep as US president Orlean, Lonnie Farmer as Old Aide, Jennifer Lawrence as Kate Dibiasky, Leonardo DiCaprio as Randall Mindy, Rob Morgan as Dr Oglethorpe

DON’T LOOK UP directed by Adam McKay is a disappointing science fiction film with a powerful message, presented as an analogy of the dangers of climate change.

An asteroid is heading for Earth that, on contact, will kill us all. Two scientists played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence struggle to convince the US president (a female version of Donald Trump) to act — well trodden Hollywood territory (Deep Impact, Armageddon, etc).

The urgency of the situation is initially ignored and the scientists are treated with contempt. Eventually the president agrees to take action because she sees it as electorally advantageous, and Nasa launches a rocket to zap it in space before it arrives.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Features / 11 March 2024
11 March 2024
As part of the recently re-formed Exeter Stop the War Coalition, PETE STEVENSON explains how talented artist Becca Edwards engaged young people in a collaborative painting for Palestine
Attendees at Watchet Pride
Features / 19 August 2019
19 August 2019
PETE STEVENSON tells a positive story of a community who fought back after a homophobic and misogynist hate crime in the harbour town of Watchet
Entertainment is part of an after-school programme, in Cienf
Features / 13 April 2018
13 April 2018
PETE STEVENSON is concerned that children have an extraordinary capacity to innovate, but they are encouraged by teachers and parents to grow out of creativity, to leave it behind to the detriment of society as a whole
Similar stories
BLOOD ON THE TRACKS: Xilun Sun as the mysterious interloper
Film of the Week: / 20 March 2025
20 March 2025
ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China
DARK FAIRYTALE: Eszter Tompa in Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude
Cinema / 25 February 2025
25 February 2025
RITA DI SANTO picks the best films from a festival that adopted a ‘neutral’ political position, despite the looming presence of the AfD
STANDING FIRM: CND activists protest at RAF Lakenheath again
Features / 24 December 2024
24 December 2024
Speaking to Ben Chacko, CND’s new leader SOPHIE BOLT outlines her organisation’s ambitious plans, from peace camps to base blockades to mass mobilisation, to fight the rising nuclear madness our politicians ignore