Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Dodge (Steve Carell) is sitting in his parked car with his wife when he hears of NASA’s failed mission to destroy “Matilda”, an Earth-bound meteor that’s seventy miles wide. When the DJ confirms that the countdown is 3 weeks, Dodge’s wife abandons him and runs away. Lonely, Dodge befriends his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley) who just broke up with her boyfriend and is remorseful about not being able to visit her family.

When Dodge receives a letter from his first love, he and Penny strike a deal. She will help take him to find his long lost love, and he will help her find an airplane ride to England.

An apocalyptic plot has been used abundantly, but this film provides a different approach. In a way, it’s a more candid look at what the reactions of different people would be, if the world were to truly end. Some are in denial, weeping hysterically, and some find the courage to be exceptionally bold. The characters of Penny and Dodge are well rounded and believable, and this is further enhanced by the capable acting abilities of Knightley and Carell. Though the film is well written, I personally felt the ending wasn’t as strong as it could have been and ended a bit cliché.

Objectionable Content

Some alcohol and drug use are shown. A few times throughout the movie, Penny smokes marijuana and says it’s the only thing that helps her sleep. During a party, someone mentions that they brought heroin and others say they want some. A father lets his young daughter drink alcohol and tells her to “get past the burn.” During a low moment, Dodge drinks an entire bottle of Windex and passes out.

There is moderate violence. A man lands on Steve’s windshield after committing suicide. Some riots are shown. A man hires professionals to help him commit suicide. He is shown being shot through the neck.

The profanity and vulgarity are heavy: OMG (10), “God” (6), “Jesus,” “Jesus Christ,” “damn,” “f” words (12), sh_t (7), and 1 as_. The vulgar terms p__y and d__k are used as well, collectively 4 times. There is some debauched talk throughout the film. A man tells Dodge that he’s been able to have sex with numerous women since they don’t care about STDs or getting pregnant. In graphic terms, the man asks Dodge if he wants to be in a threesome with him and another woman. After Dodge bids him farewell, the man says that he might see Dodge in an orgy. After kissing, Penny tells Dodge she wants him to be the last one she sleeps with. Though no sex scene is shown, afterward Dodge tells Penny he feels bad for taking advantage of her. She tells him that it was simply “end-of-the world sex” and not a big deal.

There is some additional sexual content. Some women wear very low-cut dresses. Penny and Dodge eat at an “overly friendly” restaurant. The waitress kisses both Dodge and Penny, and then proceeds to go underneath the table. After their meal, the waiters begin to kiss and touch each other. The wife of Dodge’s friend begins to kiss Dodge. When he stops her and comments about her husband, she somberly says that no one is anyone’s anything anymore.

Though the movie does have a high amount of objectionable content, I felt it somewhat accurately portrayed the different reactions people would have if a meteor were to truly obliterate the Earth. Some become amoral, and others resort to violence. Though religion was somewhat hinted at, the spiritual scene remains brief, but has its effect on the duo. Penny and Dodge happen upon people who were walking to the beach. Some enter the water, implying baptism. All the people are at peace and share picnics and smiles during a beautiful day.

I’m glad that the beach scene was included. Though brief, it helped show that not everyone would be negative, immoral, or fearful. One of the male characters states that life is meaningless, as if his destiny would end at meteor impact, thus resulting in his promiscuity and recklessness (Philippians 3:18-19). For Christians, however, we know that our destiny goes beyond death. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Paul wrote:

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

I don’t personally recommend the film. Though well-acted, its objectionable content and overused plot device make it an easy movie to skip. I will say that the movie made me think of how Christians should not fear death, but some might even find it a blessing. It reminded me of when Paul wrote that he wished to be with Christ, but knew he was needed to spread the gospel (Philippians 1:21-24). Interestingly, even John wrote in Revelations:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

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