“Leave the World Behind,” the apocalyptic thriller directed by Sam Esmail, takes audiences on a gripping journey into a collapsing world, blending family dynamics with the chaos of a mysterious cyberattack. With an exceptional cast led by Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke, the film unfolds as a tense exploration of human connection when faced with impending doom.
Amanda and Clay, portrayed by Roberts and Hawke, embark on a weekend getaway with their children, Archie and Rose, expecting a peaceful retreat. However, their idyllic vacation takes an abrupt turn when G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) arrive unannounced, claiming refuge from a cyberattack that looms larger and more terrifying by the minute.
Esmail, known for his work on “Mr. Robot,” brings his signature touch to the film, weaving a narrative that is both psychologically intense and emotionally charged. The pacing is deliberate, creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The director masterfully builds tension not just through the external threat but by delving into the complex relationships within the two families.
The performances are stellar, with Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke delivering nuanced portrayals of a couple grappling with the uncertainty of the world around them. Mahershala Ali’s commanding presence adds depth to the narrative, and the young actors, Charlie Evans and Farrah Mackenzie, hold their own against the seasoned cast.
“Leave the World Behind” is not your typical apocalyptic thriller. It eschews the usual tropes for a more cerebral exploration of human nature when faced with an existential threat. The film delves into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the fragility of societal structures, leaving the audience with questions that linger long after the credits roll.
Esmail’s adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s National Book Award-nominated novel brings a thought-provoking narrative to the screen. The cinematography captures the eeriness of the deserted world and the claustrophobia within the confines of the rented home. The film’s score adds to the tension, heightening the emotional impact of every scene.
Julia Roberts, in her role as Amanda, shares insights into the intricacies of her character: “She’s just a wildly challenging character. She’s complicated and surprising, and the main reason I took on this role — aside from wanting to work with Sam Esmail again — was the challenge. There are a lot of fine lines in making her understood, but not too unlikeable.”
Reuniting with Sam Esmail, Roberts expresses a creative kinship: “I felt such a creative kinship with him from the day we met and he’s just become such a great friend. He has such incredible depth and an eye for detail, and an ability to unearth things that I had never thought about. We think about and approach things in completely different ways — it’s like he’s excavating in one way and I’m excavating in another way and we’ll find each other in the middle of this trench we’ve dug out and poured everything into… But there’s also something hilarious about the way Sam and I work: we’re two of the happiest people on any movie set. Even on a movie like this!”
Roberts reflects on working with Mahershala Ali, praising his performance: “It was so beautiful to play these scenes with Mahershala. He really is one in a million and he did such a beautiful job bringing such nuance to his character, G.H. It’s mesmerizing to watch him. Sometimes you get caught watching him in the middle of a scene and realize, ‘Oh, I should probably be in this scene, not watching him.’”
Adding to the ensemble, Roberts shares her experience working with Ethan Hawke: “Ethan and I have crossed paths briefly on a couple of projects that didn’t come to pass, so I was absolutely thrilled when he agreed to do the part. He really is one of the true renaissance men. He does everything: he writes novels, he plays music, he sings… short of dancing, I don’t think there’s anything he doesn’t accomplish on a regular basis [laughs]. It was great to share space with him and get to know him.”
Incorporating these perspectives from the lead actress and her collaboration with the director and co-stars, “Leave the World Behind” not only promises a compelling narrative but also the depth and authenticity brought by a talented ensemble under the guidance of Sam Esmail. The dynamic between Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali adds another layer of intrigue to an already captivating apocalyptic thriller.
“Leave the World Behind” is a riveting and unsettling experience, challenging the audience to confront the uncomfortable realities of a collapsing world. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling when coupled with exceptional performances and a directorial vision that goes beyond the surface, leaving audiences with much to ponder about the intricacies of human connection in the face of calamity.