Tyler Perry poses the options in Don’t Look Up that “we can fuck or pray or…” as an asteroid makes its way to Earth, leaving viewers struck speechless. When the inevitable end is minutes away, what do you do? Behind the immersive special effects and otherworldly awe of science fiction (sci-fi) lies a specific aim: sci-fi positions viewers to think critically about the current state of the world. Sherryl Vint writes in her book on sci-fi genre theory, Science Fiction: A Guide for the Perplexed, that sci-fi is a “cultural mode” addressing the consequences of new science and technology. Vint highlights that despite the growing anxiety about an ever-changing world, there is still a preoccupation with continuous technological evolution. The world is changing, and people are afraid, yet no one acts on this fear. This is where the sci-fi film comes into play, acting as a vehicle to move viewers into addressing this uncertainty.
Through the decades, apocalyptic sci-fi films have taken place in somewhat removed dystopias. As scary as an asteroid moving straight towards Earth in Armageddon was, it was okay because Bruce Willis was up in space blasting it to bits. And do not fret about zombie-like monsters plaguing New York City; Will Smith and his dog have everything under control. Sci-fi films never felt too close to home, and these scientific threats still remained fiction. However, sci-fi films have now become more direct. As seen in recent years with Covid, the growing strength of right-wing politics, and climate change, zombies and asteroids no longer hold the same fear factor as they once did. Life-altering threats to humanity are much closer to home. You only need to watch some recent sci-fi films to see this.
Don’t Look Up (2021), directed by Adam McKay, merges old sci-fi conventions with the 21st-century way of life. As with many sci-fi films, an asteroid threatens life on Earth. What sets Don’t Look Up apart is its hair-raising portrayal of the similarities between the film and present day society. McKay uses multiple layers of satire to comment on the state of affairs in the modern world, such as bringing in famed actors like Meryl Streep to critique the current societal landscape. These well-known actors highlight serious issues through their performances, adding to the film’s narrative. No one listens when two scientists try to warn the world of its impending doom – unless, of course, the message is delivered by a Hollywood star in a blockbuster film. McKay highlights how most people are so consumed by money, fame, and sensationalism that the idea of an asteroid heading for Earth becomes a hot topic to be milked for its apparent richness in resources. These ideas of exploitation, sensationalism and government control are not foreign to the history of humanity, definitely not as otherworldly as I Am Legend’s zombies. To a certain extent, this is comparable to our modern-day planet Earth.
The film ends with the asteroid colliding into Earth, followed by a montage of reactions by people across the globe. Then, the film focuses on the final meal Dr Mindy, the leading scientist, is having with his family and colleagues. They sit, eat and talk. All the while, people everywhere are running and screaming. Oceans and fire rage terror through cityscapes. McKay ties this all together with a calming but airy soundtrack piece. Through this chaotic doom, Dr Mindy has what can be seen as the most wholesome scene throughout the film. He states that they (referring to his family but also to the greater world) had everything. The guests hold each other intimately with subtle glances across the table and gentle signs of affection. As the Earth comes to an end, this group of people make the decision to connect. You are struck by the finality of a scene that can only be described as overwhelmingly calm. Essentially, what saves them from suffering and possible sense of existentialism in the end is their ability to emotionally connect.
It is possible to draw similar caution from Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind (2023). This film, starring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as Amanda and Clay Sandford, also showcases an apocalyptic end. The film follows the intertwining lives of two families as their environment is being attacked by unknown forces. Throughout the film, the cause of the catastrophic events is never clear; however, it is clear that if no one acts, terrible consequences will follow. The movie also drops subtle hints commenting on current cultural and political affairs. The Sandfords’ daughter, Rose, is an obsessive Friends fan, there are increasing racial tensions, and everyone gets extremely cranky when the internet cuts out – reflecting the personal and societal challenges faced by the characters in the film.
Again, Leave the World Behind does not have that congratulatory “they saved the day” ending. The film ends following the final actions of Rose, when she finds a bunker designed for an apocalypse and greedily indulges in its safety, instead of finding her family. She starts by chugging down cooldrink and eating excessively. In the bunker, Rose finds a DVD collection and watches the final episode of Friends – “The Last One”. The film ends with Rose’s eyes glued to the television screen and the blaring sound of the Friends theme song. This ending is beyond absurd. As chaos ensues around her, Rose watches Friends. The ending has received heavy criticism, perhaps in shameful defence of the thought that entertainment and escapism, especially to younger generations, will be more appealing than survival in times of terror.
Through satire and popular culture references, sci-fi films have moved towards warning society about the damages that lack of connection, sensationalism and apathy can bring. The raw familiarity in newer sci-fi films begs for something to change in the current socio-political climate. Sci-fi is no longer an out-of-this-world phenomenon; it is here, sung in the opening lines of the Friends intro. This takes you back to Perry’s options about what you would do when the world is coming to an end. When doomsday arrives, how will you spend it?
