“Leave the world behind” (2023)

Thriller

Running Time: 141 minutes

Written and directed by: Sam Esmail

Featuring: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon

Tagline: “There’s No Going Back to Normal”

In the realm of cinematic thrillers, Sam Esmail’s “Leave the World Behind” emerges as a thought-provoking masterpiece, weaving a suspenseful narrative that delves into the depths of human nature and the complexities of social class. Adapted from Rumaan Alam’s acclaimed novel, the film masterfully captures the essence of the source material, translating its themes and characters onto the screen with remarkable precision and nuance. 

Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic vacation getaway, the film follows the lives of two families, the Whites and the Reeds, whose paths intertwine under increasingly ominous circumstances. The Whites, affluent and privileged, seek respite from the city’s hustle and bustle at their secluded Long Island home, while the Reeds, their Black tenants, arrive unexpectedly seeking refuge from an unknown threat.

As a sense of unease pervades the atmosphere, the film masterfully builds tension, gradually revealing the extent of the impending crisis. The world outside descends into chaos, with communication cut off and ominous reports of widespread disruptions. Against this backdrop, the two families must confront their own fears and prejudices, their interactions fraught with unspoken tensions and simmering resentment.

Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke deliver exceptional performances as Amanda and Clay Whites, capturing the essence of a couple whose privileged existence is challenged by the rapidly unfolding events. They portray the Whites’ struggles to maintain composure and navigate the unfamiliar territory of uncertainty with remarkable authenticity.

Mahershala Ali shines as George Reed, a man of quiet strength and resilience, whose calm demeanor serves as a counterpoint to the growing chaos. He exudes a quiet wisdom, a sense of having experienced life’s hardships yet maintaining his dignity and composure. His performance is a testament to his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and depth.

The film’s exploration of social class adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The juxtaposition of the Whites’ affluence and the Reeds’ working-class background highlights the deep-seated inequalities that pervade society. As the crisis intensifies, these underlying tensions come to the surface, challenging the Whites’ assumptions of superiority and forcing them to confront their own biases.

“Leave the World Behind” is not merely a suspenseful thriller; it is a profound exploration of human nature, delving into themes of fear, paranoia, and the fragility of human connection. The film’s ambiguity, its refusal to provide definitive answers, leaves the audience with lingering questions about the nature of the crisis and the future of humanity.

Director Sam Esmail masterfully employs a variety of cinematic techniques to enhance the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. The use of slow-motion sequences, coupled with an eerie soundscape, creates a sense of impending dread, while the claustrophobic camerawork mirrors the characters’ growing entrapment. The film’s visual style is both understated and evocative, effectively conveying the film’s themes of isolation and vulnerability.

Beyond its captivating narrative and suspenseful atmosphere, “Leave the World Behind” offers a profound exploration of various themes that resonate deeply with the human experience.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that engulf the characters, the film poignantly highlights the fragility of human connection. As the world outside crumbles, the two families find themselves forced into an unfamiliar and uneasy alliance, their interactions marked by suspicion, mistrust, and unspoken resentments. The film challenges the notion of inherent human connection, suggesting that in times of crisis, our individual instincts for survival can supersede our capacity for empathy and understanding.

The film powerfully demonstrates the illusion of control we often cling to in our lives. The Whites, accustomed to their privileged existence, are suddenly confronted with their own vulnerability, their sense of security shattered by the unfolding events. The film underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the futility of trying to control every aspect of our existence.

Fear plays a central role in the narrative, driving the characters’ actions and shaping their interactions. The unknown threat that looms over them fuels their paranoia and mistrust, leading to moments of conflict and misunderstanding. The film explores the various manifestations of fear, from the primal instinct for survival to the more subtle forms of anxiety and apprehension.

The film’s exploration of social class challenges the notion of inherent superiority. The Whites, initially dismissive of the Reeds, are forced to confront their own prejudices and biases as they rely on George’s knowledge and expertise for survival. The film suggests that preconceived notions and assumptions can hinder our ability to connect with others and appreciate their unique perspectives.

Despite the darkness and uncertainty that pervade the film, there are moments of genuine human connection and resilience. The characters, despite their flaws and prejudices, find ways to support and care for one another, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of humanity.

The film’s conclusion leaves the audience with a sense of lingering ambiguity, refusing to provide definitive answers about the nature of the crisis or the fate of the characters. This ambiguity, rather than being frustrating, invites contemplation and reflection, encouraging the audience to consider the broader implications of the film’s themes.

The film’s setting, the secluded Long Island home, serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the broader social, economic, and political divisions that exist in the world. The Whites’ affluence and the Reeds’ working-class background represent the stark disparities in wealth and opportunity that plague modern society. The film uses this setting to explore the impact of these disparities on human interactions and the challenges of bridging the gap between different social classes.

The blackout that plunges the world into darkness serves as a powerful metaphor for societal collapse. The sudden loss of communication, electricity, and access to information mirrors the disintegration of social order and the fear of the unknown. The film suggests that our reliance on technology and interconnectedness makes us particularly vulnerable to such disruptions, highlighting the fragility of our modern world.

The film’s eerie soundscape, characterized by unsettling noises and a sense of impending dread, creates a palpable atmosphere of suspense and unease. The use of non-diegetic sounds, such as the ominous drone and the unsettling crackling of the radio, heightens the tension and reinforces the sense of impending danger. The soundscape serves as a constant reminder of the unknown threat that looms over the characters, amplifying their fear and paranoia.

The recurring motif of deer throughout the film serves as a symbol of wildness and unpredictability. The deer’s presence, often unexpected and unsettling, mirrors the characters’ own sense of being out of control and unable to predict the future. The deer’s erratic behavior and sudden appearances suggest an underlying chaos that lies beyond human control, adding to the film’s overall sense of unease and uncertainty.

The shed, located on the edge of the property, serves as a symbol of hidden truths and secrets. The discovery of a mysterious object within the shed suggests that there is more to the crisis than meets the eye, hinting at a deeper conspiracy or unexplained phenomenon. The shed’s presence also represents the unknown, the lurking mysteries that lie just beyond our perception, adding to the film’s overall sense of suspense and intrigue.

The film’s final scene, with its abrupt ending and ambiguous nature, invites multiple interpretations, leaving the audience to ponder the meaning of the events that have unfolded. The characters’ uncertain fate and the unanswered questions about the nature of the crisis create a lingering enigma, forcing the audience to confront their own fears and assumptions about the world around them.

“Leave the World Behind” is a cinematic triumph that lingers long after the credits roll. Its exploration of human nature, social class, and the complexities of human relationships is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The film’s suspenseful narrative, coupled with exceptional performances from its cast, makes it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and socially conscious cinema alike.