Don't Look Up · written by Adam McKay · 2021

Kate and Oglethorpe debate the reality of the comet with a hostile cable host and congressman.

Scene 101 of 205 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Congressman Tenant
Kate
Dan Pawketty
Dr. Oglethorpe

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:03 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 101

After PhD candidate Kate Dibiasky discovers a comet on a direct collision course with Earth, she and Professor Randall Mindy try to persuade a politically distracted President, a media-saturated public, and a powerful technology company to stop it before impact.

Scenes 1–7
Kate and Randall work within the familiar routine of astronomy and university research.
Scenes 8–26
They discover the impact deadline and need the government and public to respond, but Orlean refuses immediate action.
Scenes 27–60
Kate and Oglethorpe take the warning outside official channels, entering the press and television world to reach the public.
Scenes 61–72
The scientists navigate conspiracy claims, arrest, and political reversal as Orlean finally announces a deflection mission.
Just before
Scene 98
On the Daily Rip, Randall reassures viewers that the government’s plan is sound while Brie flirts with him.
Scene 99
Brie and Randall have sex in a hotel room while she asks him to say they will all die.
Scene 100
Gym patrons watch the comet announcement on their treadmill televisions.
Scene 101
This scene

101INT. PATRIOT NEWS STUDIO - DAY

Kate and Teddy being interviewed by a Hannity type DAN PAWKETTY, 55 and debating with a Texas CONGRESSMAN TENANT, 76.

CONGRESSMAN TENANT

So these two Marxists wave around

the word “science” and we’re all

supposed to do whatever they say?

How do we know there even is a

comet?

KATE

Mr. Pawketty, Congressman, this

data has now been confirmed and

peer reviewed by hundreds of world-

renowned scientists.

CONGRESSMAN TENANT

And we’re supposed to trust you?

The comet’s got your name!

KATE

I don’t see the relevancy. That

doesn’t even make sense.

DAN PAWKETTY

Then why won’t you answer the

question?

KATE

Then what’s the question?

DR. OGLETHORPE

Grow up, here. This is ridiculous!