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We’re still 11 days away from the star-studded satire “Don’t Look Up” hitting theaters. But the earliest tweet-length reviews of the movie, which was filmed in the Boston area, suggest that Netflix’s big-budget comedy could be in line for “double-digit” Oscar nominations.
The film, which director Adam McKay readily admits is a parable for climate change, centers around two astronomers (Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio) who must convince the world to pay attention to the comet that has a “100 percent chance” of destroying the planet if no action is taken.
The pair’s dire warnings are largely ignored by an indifferent public, as well as a combative administration that includes President Jamey Orlean (Meryl Streep) and her son/presidential aide Jason (Jonah Hill).
Following the world premiere of the film earlier this month, attendees shared their early reactions on Twitter, where the conensus seems to be that the film is both unbelievably bleak and very funny. Many critics also suggested that “Don’t Look Up” could be in line for multiple Oscar nominations, with one critic from Variety suggesting double-digit nominations for the film wasn’t out of the question.
Before it arrives in theaters December 10 or hits Netflix on December 24, here are some of the first reactions from critics about “Don’t Look Up.”
IndieWire Editor at Large Anne Thompson called “Don’t Look Up” both “dead serious and hilarious.”
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is a dead serious and hilarious end of the world comedy, a Melancholia meets Dr. Strangelove —with a top ensemble in fine form, led by DiCaprio, Lawrence, and Streep. DiCaprio had been seeking a film to address the climate crisis in just the right way.
— Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck) November 19, 2021
Kyle Buchanan, of The New York Times, used actress Kirsten Dunst’s inside joke of describing a film destined for multiple awards as “shrimpy” in his tweet-length review.
DON’T LOOK UP: I suspect the Academy will find this very shrimpy. Much to discuss, including Leonardo DiCaprio in a love triangle with two women over 40, Ariana Grande as Vox Lux, and a terrifyingly yassified Cate Blanchett as faux Mika Brzezinski
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) November 19, 2021
Erik Davis, of Fandango, called “Don’t Look Up” a “hilarious and horrifying satire.”
We’ve seen how the U.S. reacts to an impending apocalyptic disaster in other movies, but how would we REALLY react? #DontLookUp is a hilarious & horrifying satire about how painstakingly hard it is for us to actually save the day. It’s what you expect, but it’s super entertaining pic.twitter.com/MmjDztw5nX
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) November 19, 2021
The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg called “Don’t Look Up” a “present-day ‘Dr. Strangelove.'”
DON'T LOOK UP is a present-day DR. STRANGELOVE — a funny, sickening, brilliant reminder of just how fucked the world will be if we don't quickly get our shit together. Great perfs by one of the best casts ever assembled. Hilarious song from Ariana/Cudi. Stay thru the end credits! pic.twitter.com/CCysSsbazv
— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) November 19, 2021
Variety’s Jazz Tangcay theorized that Academy voters will “lap this film up.”
Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio walking into the Oscar race. Leo superbly playing against type that is landing him that nom. Voters will lap this film up. It's Adam McKay doing what he does best, knocking satire out of the park #DontLookUp pic.twitter.com/zjXbGOU3lO
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) November 19, 2021
Scott Menzel, of the Hollywood Critics Association, called “Don’t Look Up” “the funniest film I’ve seen all year.”
Don’t Look Up is a brilliant political satire and Adam McKay at his best. Easily the funniest film I’ve seen all year. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, & Mark Rylance are all freaking great in this. Oh, and Ariana Grande’s Just Look Up needs to be nominated. #DontLookUp pic.twitter.com/PTcizxYKoA
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) November 19, 2021
Los Angeles-based film critic Courtney Howard called “Don’t Look Up” both “outrageously funny” and “on-point.”
Adam McKay’s #DontLookUp is outrageously funny w/ satire that’s absolutely on-point. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence & Meryl Streep are marvelous. Timothée Chalamet is the MVP. Nicholas Britell’s score, perfect.Editor Hank Corwin is a master at smash cuts, heightening comedy pic.twitter.com/nIUlisCAqK
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) November 19, 2021
Jenelle Riley, of Variety, suggested that “Don’t Look Up” could be in line for “double-digit” Oscar nominations.
Wouldn't be surprised to see cinematography, costume, and especially visual effects all in the mix. Noms could actually break into the double digits. Adam McKay could pull off a triple crown of noms with picture, director, and screenplay tho its a competitive year for all three.
— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) November 19, 2021
Freelance film writer Tomris Laffly called “Don’t Look Up” director Adam McKay’s “best movie by a healthy margin.”
DON’T LOOK UP is the Wag The Dog-meets-Deep Impact satire I didn’t know I needed in my life. Hilarious, and absolutely the best target Adam McKay’s manic impulses has ever found. Ever. (Yeah, it’s his best movie by a healthy margin.) Great stuff!
— Tomris Laffly (@TomiLaffly) November 19, 2021
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