Leave the World Behind Review: ” revels in defying expectations, from the initial scene where a beloved actress expresses disdain for most people to its tense conclusion. Directed by Sam Esmail, the thriller follows an unconventional path, evolving from acidic satire to a paranoia-driven thriller, surprising viewers with unexpected twists and turns. While its subversive spirit can be grating, it effectively maintains suspense, even when teetering on the edge of cliché.
The film’s primary flaw, aside from its extended runtime, lies in its lack of a clear direction. Despite numerous set pieces and explosions, “Leave the World Behind” struggles to establish a sense of forward momentum. The characters are intentionally confined to a single location, creating a feeling of both entrapment and security. However, this plot-heavy structure prevents the film from delving deeper into its characters’ psyches for the emotional resonance it strives for.
Esmail remains faithful to Rumaan Alam’s novel, resulting in an episodic narrative that mirrors the source material’s measured pace. While the film provides an entertaining thrill ride with unexpected twists, it falls short of achieving the necessary depth for impactful emotional moments. Despite its flaws, “Leave the World Behind” captivates audiences with its unconventional storytelling.
The story begins abruptly with Amanda Sandford (Julia Roberts), a combative woman, deciding on a spontaneous family getaway. As strange events unfold at their rented paradise, including a blackout and unexpected house guests, tension escalates. The characters, including G.H. Scott (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth, navigate a world in the throes of a cyberattack, heightening fear and uncertainty.
Esmail employs sweeping camera movements and drone shots to inject kinetic energy into the film. While some stylistic choices may distract from the narrative, others, like vertically floating shots emphasizing class and race dynamics, enhance the film’s thematic elements. The cast, led by Ali, grounds the film, with his captivating performance adding layers of fear, paranoia, and desperation to crucial moments.
Ali’s presence becomes a standout element, compensating for the film’s extended duration. While Esmail’s visual flair occasionally overshadows the story, Ali’s performance ensures engagement. The thriller’s climax delivers unpredictability and tension, redeeming some of its earlier shortcomings.
“Leave the World Behind” explores themes of isolation and the importance of physical media in a digital age, offering a thought-provoking perspective. Despite its surface-level approach, the film, distributed by Netflix, amusingly champions the enduring power of DVDs, Blu-rays, and vinyl records. In the end, this 141-minute thriller, with its flaws and strengths, manages to leave a lasting impression.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the point of Leave the World Behind?
Leave the World Behind serves as a chilling warning about our dependence on technology. It’s a relevant narrative highlighting the deep-rooted divisions in contemporary American society that could lead to its collapse.
Is it worth watching Leave the World Behind?
Leave the World Behind is just as captivating as it sounds, with gripping tension and impressive performances. Unfortunately, it falters in the end and explains the obvious a bit too much, leaving us with a disappointing conclusion.
What is the disaster in Leave the World Behind?
Ruth and G. H. Scott bring up the pandemonium in Leave the World Behind as potentially stemming from a nuclear disaster, similar to the Three Mile Island incident.
