

Movie spotlight
The Age of Stupid
Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in a ravaged, post-apocalyptic 2055, the film features veteran actor Pete Postlethwaite as a lonely old man living in the ruins of a devastated world. He reviews archival footage from the 'Age of Stupid' - our present day - attempting to understand why humanity failed to prevent its own destruction. The documentary juxtaposes his reflections with the harsh realities of environmental catastrophe and the choices made by people across the globe.
Critical Reception
The Age of Stupid garnered significant attention for its ambitious premise and direct address of the climate crisis. While praised for its emotional impact and Postlethwaite's compelling performance, some critics found its narrative structure unconventional and its message overtly didactic. It resonated with environmental groups and sparked considerable public debate.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its powerful and urgent message about climate change.
Pete Postlethwaite's performance is singled out as a major strength.
Some found the non-linear narrative and overt activism to be polarizing.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's critical examination of humanity's impact on the planet and found Pete Postlethwaite's portrayal deeply moving. Some viewers felt the film was overly bleak or preachy, while others lauded its bravery in confronting difficult truths.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards. Won the Audience Award at the Sheffield Doc/Fest.
Fun Fact
The film was made with a 'carbon neutral' production process, with all carbon emissions offset.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources