“Leave the World Behind” is a 2023 American apocalyptic psychological thriller film directed, written, and produced by Sam Esmail. Based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel, the movie features a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la, and Kevin Bacon. The story revolves around a mysterious breakdown in technology, including phones and television, signaling a potential cataclysm. The characters portrayed by the ensemble cast grapple with the unfolding crisis as they try to make sense of the situation.
The film premiered at AFI Fest on May 12, 2023, and later saw a theatrical release on November 22, 2023, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on December 8, 2023. Despite some criticisms of the story and pacing, “Leave the World Behind” garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the cast’s performances as a notable strength of the film.
Amanda Sandford, impulsively seeking an unplanned getaway, takes her tech-obsessed family – husband Clay and children Rose and Archie – to a rental house on Long Island. Their vacation takes a mysterious turn when, amidst grocery shopping, Amanda notices a bearded man stockpiling water and canned goods. The family’s reliance on technology becomes apparent as they discover the absence of internet access, leaving Rose unable to watch her favorite show’s final episode.
Their idyllic retreat turns dark when an oil tanker runs ashore, unsettling the family. The unsettling events escalate as they witness deer gathering on the property and experiencing a complete blackout of their television and Wi-Fi. As the family grapples with the unfolding chaos, George H. Scott (G.H.) and his daughter Ruth arrive, claiming ownership of the house due to a blackout in the city.
Amanda’s distrust of G.H. is palpable, but Clay, seeking refuge, allows them to stay after receiving a refund. As the family attempts to make sense of the situation, Amanda discovers news alerts on her phone, hinting at blackouts, hacker involvement, and mysterious symbols. Rose observes an unusual influx of deer, signaling an inexplicable phenomenon.
Clay’s attempt to seek answers in town proves futile, hindered by the malfunctioning GPS. He encounters disturbing scenes, including a distressed Spanish-speaking woman and a drone dropping leaflets in Arabic. G.H. discovers a neighboring house in ruins and witnesses a plane crash, adding to the unfolding crisis.
The family faces communication breakdowns, language barriers, and ominous signs, with Archie being bitten by a tick during an exploration. G.H. shares alarming information about a damaged satellite infrastructure and a possible government conspiracy. The shrill noise intensifies the sense of impending doom.
As the family considers fleeing to New Jersey, they encounter chaos on the highways, with self-driving cars colliding. Their return to G.H.’s house sees the revelation of leaflets containing anti-American sentiments. G.H. reveals the survivalist Danny’s involvement, linking the microwave weapon to Archie’s dental issues.
Ruth’s provocative behavior towards Clay and accusations create tension within the group. The Sandfords witness flamingos in the pool and learn of an underground bunker prepared by Danny. G.H. discloses a political coup conspiracy, suggesting a deliberate disruption of technology to fuel civil unrest.
Amidst stand-offs, revelations, and encounters with dangerous wildlife, Amanda saves Ruth from a deer attack. New York City gets bombed, and Rose, missing temporarily, discovers the bunker with an Emergency Alert System revealing a war scenario. The family faces the grim reality of a chaotic world, with Rose finding solace in watching the last season of Friends.
As the film delves into the complexities of human relationships, survival instincts, and societal breakdown, the characters grapple with distrust, fear, and the harsh consequences of a world in disarray. “Leave the World Behind” weaves a tale of uncertainty, survival, and the fragile nature of civilization when faced with unprecedented challenges.
Leave the World Behind Box Office Collection:
Leave the World Behind (2023) is a sci-fi thriller that has grossed $50 million at the box office. The film was made on a budget of $20–25 million and has a limited setting. This report is per the published date of the article. This value is bigger in later days.