Earth-destroying asteroids, invading aliens, a deadly pandemic, and a global-scale natural disaster are your typical end of the world movie tropes.
Netflix’s “Leave The World Behind”, based on American author Rumaan Alam’s best-selling 2020 novel of the same name, offers an equally scary, if not scarier, end of the world scenario that also forces audiences to reflect upon humanity’s helpless, almost addictive reliance on technology.
Directed by Sam Esmail, the creator/director of “Mr Robot”, “Leave the World Behind” is a well-crafted apocalyptic psychological thriller that explores themes of privilege, trust, and the human condition in the face of an uncertain future.
Every step feels fraught with danger, and each interaction leaves you questioning what’s real and who to believe in this 141-minute-long film.
Executive produced by former US president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, “Leave The World Behind” boasts a star-studded cast: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon and Myha’la Herrold.
The film follows Amanda Sanford (Roberts) who decides to take her husband Clay (Hawke) and two children, Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) and Archie (Charlie Evans), for an unplanned vacation to a luxurious Airbnb house on Long Island.
The family’s dream vacation takes a terrifying turn George (Ali) and Ruth Scott (Herrold) show up at their doorstep in the middle of the night, demanding ownership of the house, adding to the rising tensions caused by the lack of a phone signal and the disturbing news of a potential cyberattack.
As the lines between reality and fear blur, the group finds itself caught in a web of paranoia and doubt. They are forced to rely on their instincts, face the unknown danger outside and the disturbing realities within themselves, and make life-altering decisions with limited information.
Similar to Jordan Peele’s chilling psychological horror masterpiece “Us”, “Leave The World Behind” offers a curious study of a family thrust into the midst of a cataclysmic event.
The film prompts several thought-provoking questions: what would you do in such an event if you were isolated from the world? Who are you without your electronic devices? How do you actually view your relationships with people?
And perhaps that is why Esmail takes his time with the film’s narrative, to give audiences the space to ponder such things. However, the runtime of “Leave the World Behind” does prove to be a double-edged sword.
The deliberate pacing heightens anxiety and leaves the audience in the dark about what’s coming. A particular scene in the film’s midpoint seamlessly transitions between the characters facing their own crises. The tension and nerve-wracking soundtrack heighten the experience, creating a crescendo of danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
While effective for some, the drawn-out approach may be unnecessary for others who prefer a faster, more direct approach.
But this mild shortcoming is made up for by the actors’ brilliant performances. Notably, Roberts and Ali shine, delivering exceptional and unforgettable portrayals of their characters.
The “Erin Brockovich” actress plays a convincing misanthrope, skilfully evoking a palpable aversion toward her character. Her unyielding mistrust of George and Ruth becomes a source of frustration, compelling viewers to be on the verge of offering her a piece of their minds.
Ali, in his nuanced portrayal of George, injects layers of complexity into the character, leaving audiences to ponder: “What else is he concealing?”.
The on-screen chemistry between Roberts and Ali is nothing short of electric. The actors seamlessly play off each other, creating a delicious interplay that is a sheer pleasure to behold.
The soundtrack by Mac Quayle – known for his work on “Mr Robot” and “American Horror Story” – is distressing, to put it mildly. Quayle does an excellent job of upping the ante by gradually increasing the tempo to the point where it can be tedious, like watching someone’s nails being peeled off. The percussive beats are also reminiscent of 80’s thrillers.
Overall, “Leave The World Behind” is not without its flaws. But it is a gripping tale that not only delves into the uncertainties of the future but also compels the audience to reflect on the kind of individuals they aspire to be in the face of an apocalypse.
‘Leave The World Behind’ is currently streaming on Netflix.