Year: 2021
Runtime: 145 min
Language: English
An astronomy grad student and her professor discover a comet on a collision course with Earth and attempt to warn humanity. They launch a media tour to raise awareness, but face challenges in capturing the public's attention amidst social media distractions and a relentless news cycle. With just six months until impact, Kate and Randall struggle against indifference and apathy in a darkly comedic effort to save the planet.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Don't Look Up yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Get a spoiler-free look at Don't Look Up (2021) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where the daily news cycle churns faster than the planet’s own rotation, a routine scan of the night sky uncovers a silent threat that could eclipse humanity’s future. An astronomer’s unexpected detection of a massive comet on a direct collision course with Earth sets the clock ticking, turning a quiet research department into the epicenter of a global crisis that feels both impossibly urgent and bewilderingly distant.
The story pivots on the uneasy partnership between Kate Dibiasky, a sharp‑witted graduate student whose curiosity borders on obsession, and her seasoned mentor Dr. Randall Mindy, a scientist whose calm rationality is tested by the enormity of what they have found. Their attempt to translate cold, hard data into a warning for the public thrusts them into the glare of political power, led by President Janie Orlean, whose administration must balance scientific alarm with the ever‑present pressure of public opinion. As they navigate briefing rooms, press conferences, and a relentless media circus, the duo confronts a bureaucracy that seems more preoccupied with optics than outcomes.
All of this unfolds against a backdrop of razor‑thin satire and dark comedy, where the gravitas of an impending apocalypse collides with the absurdity of celebrity gossip, viral memes, and the perpetual hum of social media. The film’s tone walks a tightrope between earnest urgency and biting irony, highlighting how easily a planet’s fate can be diluted by the noise of everyday distractions. Through its incisive humor and keen observational eye, the narrative invites viewers to question what it truly means to look up—and what happens when we collectively choose not to.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 00:27
Don't stop at just watching — explore Don't Look Up in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Don't Look Up is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Don't Look Up, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Don't Look Up with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Don't Look Up. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Don't Look Up that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Don't Look Up (2021) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Don't Look Up (2021) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Don't Look Up (2021) Ending Explained & Theories
Don't Look Up (2021) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Don't Look Up – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Interstellar (2014) Full Movie Breakdown
Melancholia (2011) Full Movie Breakdown
The Midnight Sky (2020) Story Summary & Characters
Asteroid City (2023) Detailed Story Recap
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) Movie Recap & Themes
Greenland (2020) Story Summary & Characters
The Wandering Earth (2019) Movie Recap & Themes
Deep Impact (1998) Detailed Story Recap
Geostorm (2017) Movie Recap & Themes
Armageddon (1998) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Moonfall (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Warning (2021) Detailed Story Recap
Meteor (1979) Movie Recap & Themes
Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World (2024) Full Summary & Key Details