Netflix released the official trailer for Sam Esmail’s apocalypse thriller Leave The World Behind. The film which stars Mahershala Ali, Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Myha’la Herrold, explores human nature and survival in a world on the brink of collapse.
The plot centers around Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke), who rent a luxurious home for a weekend getaway with their children. Their peaceful vacation takes a dark turn when two strangers, G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth, arrive, claiming refuge and bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack. This unexpected convergence forces both families to confront their places in a collapsing world.
Leave the World Behind premieres on Netflix, Dec 8th after a limited theater run beginning Nov 22nd; watch the trailer below.
The film is based on Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name, and its synopsis teases a suspenseful narrative that prioritizes character development in a genre typically known for spectacle. Esmail’s unique approach places the spotlight on the emotional responses of the characters, setting “Leave the World Behind” apart from traditional disaster films.
The film is executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama through their Higher Ground Productions, with Julia Roberts, Lisa Gillan, Marisa Yeres Gill, Sam Esmail, and Chad Hamilton as producers. Tonia Davis, Daniel M. Stillman, Nick Krishnamurthy, and Rumaan Alam join the Obamas as executive producers.
“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