Summary
As a post-apocalyptic contemporary supernatural film, it’s not a total disaster, but the plot is weakened by its lack of twists and shock factors.
Netflix seems to be making a tradition of releasing post-apocalyptic movies around the holiday season, from Bird Box to Don’t Look Up. Now we have Leave The World Behind. Perhaps this is a psychological technique to make everyone more grateful and appreciative around the festive season — a season where we can be quite selfish and easily succumb to envy and hopelessness. Maybe it’s just to balance out the endless cheesy Christmas films that our shoved down our throats. Either way, Leave the World Behind, which is produced by the Obamas, is an eerie and intriguing film but far too long and drawn out.
Leave the World Behind is an American psychological thriller film written, directed, and produced by Sam Esmail. It is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. The film stars Julia Roberts (who also produced the film — this is her first Netflix role), Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon. It’s a star-studded cast, and exceptionally well cast as each actor has compelling chemistry in telling this twisted tale.
Leave the World Behind review and plot summary
The story surrounds a family on vacation on Long Island. Their holiday is interrupted by two strangers (claiming to own the property they’re in) bearing news of a blackout and needing to stay with them. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potentially collapsing world.
The main difference between the novel and the film is that the characters of George and Ruth Scott (played by Mahershala Ali and Myha’la Herrold) have been switched from an older couple to a father-and-daughter duo. I think this is a good choice and a great dynamic as it allows different generations to explore and express their opinions and allows for greater conflict in the film.
RELATED: Where was Leave the World Behind filmed?
Similar to many other disaster films, Leave the World Behind takes an interest in the downfall of society and how people act when forced to survive together (I especially loved the driverless Tesla-style cars all driving one place and crashing into one another.) Whilst the film understands the general mechanics of the post-apocalyptic genre, it is lacking in action. Where there is action it is exciting, but the sequences are too few and far apart and the tension is dragged out between them, which might make you lose interest. If anything, this film will make you think about how you would act and survive in this situation and that will stir emotions as a viewer.
Everyone’s acting, overall, is top-notch. Their chemistry together is undeniable. Herrold is beautiful to watch — her charisma to draw you in as a viewer is compelling and I enjoyed trying to figure out her motives throughout the film. Roberts does a fantastic job of being selfish, untrusting, and petty. The subtle racial tension between the Sandfords and the Scotts fuels much of the disaster flick and is extremely well written and portrayed.
Is Leave the World Behind worth watching?
Whilst the film is long and the storyline loses its strength because of this, it is excellently shot and I enjoyed the array of camera angles and styles enormously. There are a fair amount of swinging camera shots that feel eccentric and help create a sense of unease and chaos. A nice change from the still, static, intense shots we’re all used to. The erratic and energetic choices in music help drive the scenes and keep you engaged as a viewer.
RELATED: Will there be a sequel to Leave the World Behind?
All good disaster films, and thriller films, rely on building tension and then one killer, imposing, and impactful death. It has to be done to make the film personal. To push the protagonist as far as they can go and shape the ending. This film lacked such a moment, and it needed it, especially with a runtime of over two hours and twenty minutes. However, the film’s style reminded me of something directed by M Night Shyamalan. So, if you’re a fan of his work and/or contemporary supernaturals, try Leave the World Behind out.
What did you think of Leave the World Behind? Comment below.
