Why is "would" being used here instead of "did"?

Rebecca

Actually, there are different reasons for the use of "would you look at that?" It's used as a rhetorical question to draw attention to something. Thus, the speaker isn't actually asking if the others are seeing the scene of Belle and the Beast getting along well. As a result, "did" not only sounds awkward here but also changes the meaning of the sentence itself if used (from being used as a rhetorical question to becoming an actual question requiring answering). Ex: Wow, would you look at that - the sunset is so beautiful today. Ex: Would you look at the time! I've got to get going.