“Leave the World Behind” has arrived on Netflix, sending shivers down our spines. The film, a brainchild of Sam Esmail, the visionary behind “Mr. Robot,” is an apocalyptic masterpiece starring the illustrious Julia Roberts, the ever-charismatic Mahershala Ali, and the versatile Ethan Hawke. This narrative unfolds the harrowing tale of two families trapped in a mysterious blackout, with the unsettling certainty that life as they know it has irreversibly changed.
In this perplexing world, the ordinary has become obsolete. Technology fails without explanation, and even the deer near the families’ Long Island sanctuary behave unnervingly. The spine-tingling trailer and embedded below, offers a glimpse into this bizarre reality.
Sam Esmail, the film’s writer and director, shares his fascination with the concept: “I’ve been drawn to the idea of a disaster movie, particularly one centering around a cyberattack. It’s an uncharted territory for many, and its global ramifications are colossal.” His passion for exploring technology’s societal impacts shines through in this narrative.
Trailer
Plot
“Leave the World Behind” is a gripping tale from Esmail, celebrated for “Mr. Robot.” Amanda (Julia Roberts), along with her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke), and their children, find their dream getaway turning into a nightmare. The unexpected arrival of G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth, bearing news of a cyber catastrophe, upends their world. As the disaster unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their roles in a world on the brink of collapse. This cinematic journey, produced by Esmail Corp, Red Om Films, and Higher Ground Productions, promises to be a mesmerizing experience.
Is the movie based on a book?
Yes, the film is an interpretation of Alam’s critically acclaimed novel. Esmail’s vision for the adaptation was clear: to amplify the emotional core of the story while introducing his unique cinematic flair. Alam, in turn, found in Esmail a creative soulmate who could reinvent his narrative while preserving its heart.
Cast
In “Leave the World Behind,” a stellar cast brings to life an intense and emotionally charged narrative. Front and centre sees Julia Roberts star as Amanda Sandford, a New York City advertising executive who longs for a break from her bustling life. Seeking respite, she books a luxurious Long Island house for a weekend getaway with her family. However, her quest for tranquillity is disrupted when unexpected guests arrive, catapulting her into a surreal situation.
Mahershala Ali portrays G.H., a mysterious figure who, along with his daughter Ruth, played by Myha’la Herrold, arrives at Amanda’s rented home in the dead of night. Their arrival brings ominous news of a cyberattack and a world slipping into chaos.
Ethan Hawke plays Clay, Amanda’s husband, who finds himself in the midst of an escalating crisis while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for his family. Their children, Archie and Rose, portrayed by Charlie Evans and Farrah Mackenzie, respectively, represent the bewildered youth experiencing a world unravelling in real time.
Release Date
“Leave The World Behind” was released on December 8, 2023.