Netflix has set the stage for the anticipated apocalypse thriller, “Leave the World Behind,” directed by the acclaimed Sam Esmail, the creator of “Mr. Robot.” With an ensemble cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Myha’la Herrold, this film promises to be a gripping exploration of human nature and survival in a world on the brink of collapse.
Netflix recently unveiled a sneak peek at “Leave the World Behind” with a release of first-look photos, offering viewers a glimpse into the plot, characters, and a collection of captivating images from the forthcoming movie.
Based on the book of the same name by Rumaan Alam, psychological thriller Leave the World Behind tells the story of two families, led by Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, as they fight for survival amid an inexplicable blackout. Alam also serves as executive producer of the film, alongside Barack and Michelle Obama, Tonia Davis, Daniel M. Stillman and Nick Krishnamurthy.
Full synopsis:
In this apocalyptic thriller from award-winning writer and director Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), Amanda (Academy Award winner Roberts) and her husband Clay (Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke), rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Academy Award winner Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute, forcing everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.
Leave the World Behind is produced by Esmail Corp, Red Om Films, and executive produced by Higher Ground Productions. Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and Kevin Bacon also star.
Unlike typical disaster films, where spectacle often takes precedence, Sam Esmail, in an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair, reveals his unique approach to “Leave the World Behind.” He prioritizes character development and their responses to the crisis, shifting the focus away from sensational set pieces that define the disaster genre.
Esmail explains to Vanity Fair in exclusive interview., “The disaster genre is one of my favorite genres, and the trick that we did in this film that differs from most disaster films is that in that genre, the focus—the priority of the storytelling—is on the set pieces.” He further emphasizes, “It’s on the spectacle of whatever the disaster might be for that story, and the characters were secondary to that. They’re more there to react and become the audience avatar.” In a departure from this convention, Esmail aims to invert the formula, placing the spotlight firmly on the characters and their emotional responses while keeping the disaster itself at a distance.
“Leave the World Behind” is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on December 8, 2023, following its theatrical release on November 22, 2023, in cinemas nationwide. The film is produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
“We’re happy to get the kind of money that jingles, but we’d rather get the kind that folds.” – Lisa, Coming to America
Message From the Founder (Me):
First, thank you so much for visiting BLEX. Building this brand is a labor of love and my way of celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black culture in Hollywood. While building this brand is a labor of love, I rely on the support of people like you to keep the site and social platforms running. If you believe in what Blex Media stands for and enjoy the content I produce, please consider donating a cup of coffee. Your contribution helps me keep the site running will enable me to expand my team and improve Blex’s platform. Thank you for being a part of the Blex community!
-Sharifa