Crafting a haunting thriller that ruthlessly intertwines shock and despair is an art, and Leave the World Behind revels in this with admirable finesse. The film plunges into the abyss of universal fears, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of a real-world cataclysm. The stellar ensemble, led by Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali, adds a layer of brilliance to a narrative that’s both mesmerizing and emotionally scorching.
Initially draped in the guise of simplicity and innocence—a family seeking solace on a Long Island getaway—the narrative swiftly morphs into a heart-rending suspense tale. Trapped and entangled in the dangerous forces at play, the characters grapple with an unforgiving reality.
At first, it’s a blackout, but what starts as something explainable turns into something much worse.
In the chaos, the seemingly content couple, Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke), navigate the labyrinth of uncertainty with their children, Rosie (Farrah Mackenzie) and Archie (Charlie Evans). The looming specter of a cyberattack injects an additional layer of complexity, entangling everyone in a web of confusion where answers elude and questions suffocate. Unwanted guests, George (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter, Ruth (Myha’la Herrold) add to a dilemma: trust or escape? Intentions and assumptions are meticulously considered, exposing the raw nerve of human desperation.
Director Sam Esmail masterfully captures the raw agony of in-the-moment hysteria, plunging the audience into a tumultuous sea of emotions. The performances of Roberts, Hawke, and Ali not only mirror the gravity of the situation but catapult it to thrilling heights. The screenplay, rife with grim possibilities, keeps us teetering on the edge, questioning the unfolding events with a sense of impending doom.
The best aspect of the film truly emanates from the interplay of characters. The script by Rumaan Alam and Sam Esmail allows our lead performances to cut deep, their scenes together a manifestation of intriguing depth, an alliance born out of necessity amid the suffocating circumstances. Kevin Bacon also has a key scene in a vital supporting role.
This film perches itself on a throne of despair, thrills, and biting satire, existing in multiple corners of darkness. Sam Esmail is known for his meticulous approach to visual storytelling, and he employs a range of techniques to immerse the audience in the unsettling atmosphere of the film.
The dynamic is woven with understanding, and eventually trust, providing a fleeting semblance of sincerity in the relentless insanity of circumstances that continue to present themselves: strange animal behavior, misbehaving Teslas, and endangering noises: oh my.
Long takes and other movements infuse fluidity into the storytelling, immersing the audience in the characters’ experiences. The cinematography, a potent storyteller, vividly conveys the raw emotions on screen.
The lighting is key too, as it shapes the film’s vibe, mirroring the journey from blissful ignorance to harsh reality. The interplay of shadows during the family’s getaway and eerie artificial lighting in the face of the unknown heightens the overall sense of disquiet.
The framing is both intimate and purposeful, revealing subtle emotional shifts, while wide shots emphasize characters’ isolation and vulnerability amidst an inexplicable threat.
The icky factor shouldn’t be overlooked either, as some genuinely disturbing, discomforting moments won’t soon leave you as the credits roll. This one has a built-in effect as time has continued on, convincing me it’s a movie that needed to be experienced more than just described. I loved seeing these talented actors take on this intriguing task of a film, which made it even more enjoyable.
Within the film’s editing is a tension-building masterclass, seamlessly bouncing between calm and chaos. Leave the World Behind not only shocks and awes but also leaves an indelible mark with its storytelling, performances that haunt, and the lingering uncertainty that outlasts the rolling credits. It’s visually arresting, nostalgically tuned, and manipulates our emotions as if we’re drowning in our own despair.
Yet, it feels off-kilter, refusing to pay a particular homage to its characters amidst the face of the impossible—an intentional choice that leaves a bitter taste. It doesn’t detach from the effect, as the pacing ensures that eyes are continually glued to the screen.
The film does boast one of my favorite final shots of the year, ending in a way that offers a flicker of hope when the darkness seems insurmountable. The power of Leave the World Behind doesn’t dissipate; it lingers, a haunting echo that refuses to fade away.
“I’ll be there for you.”
Sometimes, we just need some friends.
Leave the World Behind is now streaming on Netflix.
Like our content? Buy us a slice!
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 