Uh-oh. Another drawn out scene of Leo DiCaprio freaking out to himself, but this time he’s a scientist. The minute-long teaser begins with this manic breakdown similar to that of Rick Dalton in “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.”
As intense music builds, and more and more Academy Award Winners appear on screen, we realize Leo and co-star Jennifer Lawrence have discovered a fatal asteroid headed toward earth.
Some of the tension Netflix attempts to allure viewers with is released as more familiar faces appear such as Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Timothee Chalamet, and Jonah Hill to name a few.
With half the trailer dedicated to credits to the director (Adam Mckay) and his previous work, it’s hard to tell if this comedy director wants to be taken slightly more seriously or if he’s playing into the absurdity of the situation.
By absurd, I mean the fact that Jonah Hill would have a larger role in society than being the butt of his famous friend’s jokes. In the trailer he is Madame President’s son and aide.
With Leo’s over-the-top, for-your-consideration, acting and the dramatized shots of each cast member hint toward a more self-aware film that could potentially leave us with more than off-handed cameos.
Though these cast members, including Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi, offer an alternative perspective. Perhaps one most people would claim. It’s the end of the world. So what?
We’ve been told a million times by an older generation that there will be some great volcano, hurricane, earthquake, etc., that will inevitably kill us all. All while at the same time slowly killing the only planet we’ve known as home. Yet, with this looming fear, everyone carries on with their daily lives, casually reminded to recycle every now and then.
Why would an asteroid be any different? Meryl Streep’s dismissive attitude toward the crisis is both laughable, yet makes one reconsider the reality at the root of this satire.
“Don’t Look Up” is set to release on Netflix and select theaters December 10th, 2021.
