“Don’t Look Up” (2021) is a sharp, darkly comedic satire that turns an impending comet disaster into a powerful allegory for our modern crises. Directed by Adam McKay and featuring an all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, the film mixes absurdity with chilling realism to depict society’s reaction to imminent doom. Think you caught all the clever details, cultural jabs, and memorable performances? Take our 10-question trivia quiz and see if you’re among the few who can truly say they looked up!
Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers to the quiz questions, complete with in-depth explanations and behind-the-scenes insights into Don’t Look Up (2021):
1) Who directed the satirical disaster film Don’t Look Up (2021)?
Correct Answer: Adam McKay
Adam McKay, the Oscar-winning writer/director of The Big Short and Vice, brought his distinct voice to Don’t Look Up. With biting satire and a bleakly humorous tone, McKay crafted a story that holds a mirror to our modern society. His direction balances comedy and dread, turning a world-ending event into a painfully relatable commentary on bureaucracy, media distractions, and collective denial.
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2) What is the profession of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Dr. Randall Mindy?
Correct Answer: Astronomy professor
Dr. Randall Mindy is an astronomy professor who unexpectedly becomes a media sensation after the discovery of the comet. DiCaprio’s character embodies the well-meaning but increasingly compromised scientist, trying to remain focused on facts while being manipulated by political and media interests. His transformation is one of the film’s most striking arcs.
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3) What imminent threat do the scientists discover in Don’t Look Up?
Correct Answer: A comet heading toward Earth
The discovery of a “planet-killer” comet sets the story in motion. Rather than focusing on how to stop it, much of the film highlights society’s inability to take the threat seriously. The comet is a clear allegory for real-world issues like climate change and pandemics, where warnings are too often ignored or politicized.
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4) Which actress plays the U.S. President, Janie Orlean?
Correct Answer: Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep gives a devilishly entertaining performance as President Janie Orlean — narcissistic, self-serving, and thoroughly indifferent to science. Inspired by real political figures, her character represents the dangerous mix of ego, misinformation, and denialism.
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5) What is the name of the student who co-discovers the comet with Dr. Mindy?
Correct Answer: Kate Dibiasky
Kate Dibiasky, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is the grad student who first spots the comet. Despite her discovery, she’s mocked and dismissed, especially after an emotional outburst on live TV. Ironically, the comet is named after her — yet no one takes her seriously.
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6) Which tech mogul influences the government’s decision on handling the comet?
Correct Answer: Peter Isherwell
Peter Isherwell, played by Mark Rylance, is a bizarre tech CEO modeled on real-world billionaires. His company, BASH, derails efforts to destroy the comet, hoping instead to mine it for rare minerals. His greed and influence highlight the dangers of corporate overreach.
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7) What is the name of the satirical morning news show featured in the film?
Correct Answer: The Daily Rip
The Daily Rip, hosted by Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry, embodies infotainment culture — more concerned with tone than truth. The show trivializes the scientists’ warnings, turning world-ending news into background noise.
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8) What ultimately happens to Earth at the end of the film?
Correct Answer: It is destroyed by the comet
In a sobering finale, the comet hits Earth, wiping out most of humanity. A small group of elites attempts escape but meets their own ironic end. The destruction results not from lack of ability — but lack of will and leadership.
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9) Which real-world issue is the comet in the film an allegory for?
Correct Answer: Climate change
The comet serves as a metaphor for climate change — an urgent, scientifically proven threat that’s often ignored. McKay’s film critiques the political, media, and corporate failures that mirror real-world inaction.
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10) What message do the scientists repeatedly try to communicate to the public?
Correct Answer: Just look up!
“Just look up” becomes the rallying cry of truth-tellers in the film. It’s a plea to acknowledge reality — while the opposing slogan, “Don’t look up,” represents denial and manipulation. The phrase captures the central conflict of the movie.
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