What we flagged
View all categories
Our take
Two scientists try to warn people that a comet is coming, while everyone around them turns it into politics or entertainment. Don't Look Up is sharp and often funny, but the f-words, sex jokes, drinking and drug use are frequent. Its ending is bleak. We would watch from 14 and leave space to talk about the last stretch.
Uplifting themes
The film shows what can happen when we ignore science and truth and put fame and money first. It is cynical, but it points to the value of honesty and family The scientists try to tell the truth and some characters show courage. Many other characters are flawed, selfish, or silly, and the film mocks them openly A comic way into talking about science communication, media spin, and how people react to warnings about big threats. It is a good prompt for older teens to think about how news and social media shape what we believe
Story (may spoil tone)
Two astronomers go on a media tour to warn humankind of a planet-killing comet hurtling toward Earth. The response from a distracted world: Meh.
What we flagged
Details
Violence A few scuffles, angry crowds, and a tense raid show up, and a late deat…
A few scuffles, angry crowds, and a tense raid show up, and a late death is played for dark comedy. The film is mostly satire and talk, so the physical violence stays on the lighter side
Language The f-word and s-word come up constantly, in arguments, interviews, and…
The f-word and s-word come up constantly, in arguments, interviews, and jokes, along with crude insults. The swearing is a big part of the comedy
Sex / nudity There is a lot of sexual talk, an affair, and crude jokes about a celeb…
There is a lot of sexual talk, an affair, and crude jokes about a celebrity and a cable show. Kissing and a couple of implied sex scenes appear
Drugs / alcohol Characters drink heavily and smoke, and one character takes a party dru…
Characters drink heavily and smoke, and one character takes a party drug at a gathering. A bottle of scotch and a few weed jokes come up too, and the drinking grows as the mood turns bleak
Frightening A growing sense of doom hangs over the film, with news of the incoming…
A growing sense of doom hangs over the film, with news of the incoming comet and a long, serious final stretch. Impact scenes are loud and alarming, and the last dinner scene is very sad
Gore / death / weapons Deaths happen with little blood, and explosions and the final impact sh…
Deaths happen with little blood, and explosions and the final impact show widespread destruction from a distance. A late creature scene is brief and played darkly, with no close-up gore
Mental health A character has a panic attack and takes medication, and another books…
A character has a panic attack and takes medication, and another books a therapy session. Anxiety about the future is a common thread, and the film treats it as a believable response to bad news
Grief / bereavement Families say goodbye, and the final scenes are quiet and sad. Death com…
Families say goodbye, and the final scenes are quiet and sad. Death comes for nearly everyone in the story, which can be heavy for sensitive viewers
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
What other parents think.
Be the first family to leave a watch note.
Talk after watching
- The media and leaders in the film turn a crisis into entertainment. Where have you seen real news treated that way?
- The scientists argue about how to get people to listen. What would you do to make people take a serious warning seriously?
Ask ClearAge
Don't Look Up
Ask about this guide, or name another film to open its ClearAge page.
