“Leave the World Behind”

Thematically, there certainly is a lot to chew on in “Leave the World Behind,” director Sam Esmail‘s adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s suspenseful, provocative New York Times bestselling novel. This is a case where the director is the ideal fit for the material, and the result is a complex apocalyptic thriller that tackles issues like isolation, liberalism, race, class, and family dynamics in a way that reminds us that people can be horribly tribal and downright awful, especially when facing the crushing stress of a crisis.

Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) need a break from their busy routine in the city. She decides to rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their relaxing vacation is upended when two strangers, a man (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter (Myha’la) arrive in the middle of the night. Claiming they have fled in search of safety after a mysterious cyber attack and seeking refuge in what they assert is their home, the two are faced with a harsh skepticism and suspicion from Amanda. Stuck in the same remote house as the world collapses around them, the renters and owners come to a head over the growing terror from a looming disaster.

It’s a terrific story that plays like a psychological horror film, embracing the fear, disconnect, and confusion that grows from not only the unknown, but from isolation. There are no cell phones, no television broadcasts, and no computers, which to many (and probably most) who rely on technology for communication and connection in a modern world is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. The film is very intense, especially because Esmail is so skilled at building suspense. He gives the audience just enough information, often to the point where viewers know more than the characters do at any given time.

The performances are all solid, and the film is perfectly cast. Roberts, Hawke, and Ali have a casual chemistry that’s believable, and Mackenzie does so much with her supporting role as their highly observant, “Friends”-obsessed daughter. Most of these characters are highly unlikable, but that serves the story well.

I’d venture a guess that most viewers are going to find all of the narrative distractions annoying. There are plenty of plot elements that are exciting, yet go nowhere. The ending is going to prove to be the most divisive of all, and you’re either going to leave extremely frustrated and irritated, or delighted (I loved it). Fans of the original novel may also not be pleased with the changes have been made to the story, but the majority of the movie’s elements work together very well.

“Leave the World Behind” is ominous and pessimistic, but it’s also thought-provoking and entertaining. It’s the type of film that begs for a lengthy discussion afterwards.

By: Louisa Moore