Leave the World Behind is a thriller starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke. It is written and directed by Sam Esmail. Based on the novel by Rumaan Alam.
In order to capture the essence of Shyamalan’s style, or perhaps to delve deeper into the thriller genre, “Leave the World Behind” is a film that gradually captivates the audience, even if it doesn’t initially hook them.
Despite reminding us of Shyamalan’s latest film, starring Julia Roberts, “Leave the World Behind” offers strong performances and excellent direction.
Plot
A family rents a luxurious house far from New York in an attempt to escape from everything. However, strange events related to a digital blackout start to occur.
Movie Review
“Leave the World Behind” is one of those films that may not leave a lasting impression in our cinematic subconsciousness, but it entertains and takes us exactly where it wants, how it wants, and at the right moment, which is precisely what makes a good thriller successful.
With a compelling story that plays with collective fears on multiple levels (the fear of a digital blackout and even terrorism), “Leave the World Behind” goes beyond that, incorporating nods to the concept of “cinema within cinema,” creating a story reminiscent of Hitchcock, Fincher, or Shyamalan, complete with a formidable antagonist: the chaos resulting from the digital blackout.
Intelligently crafted, the film saves its arsenal, not revealing everything in the premise but providing just enough to maintain interest and captivate the audience as it unfolds. It offers sufficient visual, cinematic, and interpretive elements to intrigue us and keep us engaged until the end.
Besides being a thriller, “Leave the World Behind” contains a thought-provoking commentary on reality and fiction (once again exploring the concept of “cinema within cinema”) and the fiction that has been woven into our work, society, and the world overall: what happens when we truly leave the realm of fiction behind?
The film presents well-developed characters, as well as subtle nods that can be interpreted on multiple levels, all while delivering a thrilling story. The four actors deliver fantastic performances, with a special mention to Myha’la, who gives the best performance in the film.
Our Opinion
“Leave the World Behind” is intelligent, sophisticated, apocalyptic, and an excellent production in every aspect. What better plan for this Friday while we await the digital blackout?
Release date
November 22, 2023 (movie theaters)
December 8, 2023 (Netflix)
Where to Watch “Leave the World Behind”
The Cast
Julia Fiona Roberts, an American actress of diverse talent and extraordinary charm, has captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable performances and radiant smile. Born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, Julia Roberts has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved and sought-after actresses. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Roberts has achieved numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. She has starred in a wide range of films, from romantic comedies to biographical dramas, and has consistently proven her versatility as an actress. Read more
Born in Oakland, California, on February 16, 1974, Mahershala Ali, originally named Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore, grew up in Hayward. His mother, Willicia Goines, was an ordained Baptist minister, and his father, Phillip Gilmore, was an actor on Broadway. Ali was raised as a Christian and attended St. Mary’s College of California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications in 1996. He played college basketball on a scholarship while at St. Mary’s College and developed a passion for acting after participating in a staging of the play “Spunk.” Read more
Few actors have had the kind of diverse and successful career that Ethan Hawke has enjoyed. From Oscar-nominated performances to his work as a novelist, Hawke has proven himself to be one of the most talented performers of his generation. With a career spanning over three decades, he has become a trusted name in Hollywood, known for his versatility and unique approach to his craft. Read more