Benedict Cumberbatch stars in a new film, 'How to Live on Earth,' which premiered at the London Film Festival. The movie tackles the climate crisis through a personal lens, following a family struggling with environmental collapse.
Plot and Performances
The film, directed by Sarah Gavron, follows a couple, played by Cumberbatch and Jodie Comer, as they navigate the effects of climate change on their daily lives. Cumberbatch's character is an architect who becomes increasingly obsessed with building a sustainable home, while Comer's character is a teacher who tries to maintain normalcy for their children. The narrative interweaves their personal struggles with broader ecological themes.
Critics have praised Cumberbatch's performance as deeply nuanced, capturing the despair and determination of a man facing an existential threat. Comer also delivers a powerful performance, grounding the film in emotional reality. The supporting cast includes a notable turn from David Oyelowo as a climate scientist.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been largely positive. The Guardian's review highlighted the film's ability to 'make the abstract feel intimate.' The film holds a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from early screenings. According to The Guardian, 'How to Live on Earth' is 'a quietly devastating portrait of a world in crisis.'
Some critics, however, have noted that the film's message can feel heavy-handed at times. The Hollywood Reporter stated that while the film is 'well-intentioned,' it 'occasionally sacrifices subtlety for urgency.'
Impact and Relevance
The film arrives amid increasing public concern about climate change. A 2025 YouGov poll found that 68% of Britons view climate change as a major threat. 'How to Live on Earth' taps into this anxiety, offering a narrative that is both personal and political. The film's release coincides with the COP31 climate summit, adding to its timeliness.
Director Sarah Gavron said in a statement: 'This film is not just about the crisis; it's about how we find hope and connection in the face of it.'
