Entertainment Blog #186 | Leave the World Behind [2023] - Isolation ⏩ Synchronized Chaos ⏩ Civil War

I think these days, it's easy to destabilize a country. See how much chaos occurred with that power cut that happened recently? Cutting down one infrastructure is so enough to create a chaos. And rest will follow up itself like.. protests, fights, gun fights, to Civil War.. Let's see what this movie has to present.

"Leave the World Behind" examines the breakdown of social structures in the face of an upcoming apocalypse, focusing on themes of isolation, mistrust, and the breakdown of modern comforts. The film is directed and written by Sam Esmail and stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke. The film premiered at the AFI Fest on October 25, 2023, and was released in select theatres on November 22, 2023, before making its Netflix streaming debut on December 8, 2023.

In "Leave the World Behind," the Sanfords take a spontaneous vacation to a Long Island rental home in search of a break from their modern lives. The peaceful atmosphere quickly shifts as strange events unfold as they settle in. Mysterious disruptions, such as a lack of cell connectivity and malfunctioning electronics, shake their peace, hinting at a forthcoming emergency. During this time, George H. Scott and his daughter Ruth arrive unexpectedly, claiming ownership of the house due to a city-wide blackout. Despite their initial suspicion, the Sanfords allow them to stay, unaware that these events are the start of an enormous disruption.

Strange incidents intensify as the family deals with the mounting insecurity. Clay, the father, sets out to find answers, but he encounters chaos on the roads due to malfunctioning self-driving cars. Meanwhile, Rose, their daughter, and Archie, her brother, discover strange occurrences—Archie is bitten by a tick, and Rose senses an unexplainable link with deer herd behavior. The appearance of flamingos in their pool, as well as an eerie noise covering the surroundings, adds to their disorientation, indicating a widespread disturbance disrupting their reality.

The characters' lives intersect during a world descending into chaos, with mounting tension and beyond-explanation events. The narrative of the film delicately weaves together eerie occurrences and escalating tensions, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and dread that leaves both the characters and the audience struggling with an uncertain and unsettling future.

"Leave the World Behind" stands out because of its deliberate pacing and atmospheric tension-building. Rather than relying on visible violence or traditional thriller characters, the film creates a sense of unease through subtle disturbances and unsettling events. It deviates from typical apocalyptic narratives by focusing on psychological unease rather than clear disaster, soaking viewers in a slow-burn exploration of uncertainty and anxiety. Furthermore, the film challenges expectations by delving into sociopolitical themes, combining psychological thriller elements with an underlying commentary on societal chaos, mistrust, and the erosion of modern certainties. This unique approach separates it from other disaster or apocalyptic thrillers, resulting in a powerful and stimulating cinematic experience.

Critics offered "Leave the World Behind" mixed but generally positive reviews. While it has been praised for its exceptionally well-acted performances and ability to draw in the viewer despite its deliberate pace, some critics have noted a sense of straightforwardness in its messaging and slow narrative progression that may not suit all tastes. The film received a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 100 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10. The majority of opinions on the site emphasized its well-executed tension-building and strong performances. Based on 33 reviews, Metacritic gave the film a score of 67 out of 100, indicating generally positive feedback. Despite its slower pace and different style, many critics praised the film for its unique approach and stimulating themes.

"Leave the World Behind" attracts with outstanding performances and an intelligent narrative that weaves an eerie yet stimulating story. While the film's deliberate pacing and somewhat straightforward messaging may not appeal to all audiences, its ability to create tension and draw viewers in is a testament to its skill. The film stands out for its unique approach to storytelling and exploration of apocalyptic themes, providing a compelling viewpoint that adds to the diversity of the thriller genre. Despite its mixed critical reception, the film manages to leave an impression on audiences, inviting them to think about the consequences long after the credits have rolled.