“Leave the World Behind” (2023) is a psychological thriller directed by Sam Esmail and based on the novel by Rumaan Alam. The film explores themes of societal collapse, trust, and the unknown in a tense, apocalyptic setting. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Kevin Bacon, the film brings a star-studded cast together in a story of survival, fear, and human fragility.

Plot Overview:

The film follows Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke), a married couple who rent a luxurious, remote vacation home in Long Island with their two children for a weekend getaway. What starts as a relaxing family vacation soon turns unsettling when the homeowners, George (Mahershala Ali) and Ruth (Myha’la Herrold), return unexpectedly, claiming that a mysterious blackout has crippled the city. With no cell service, internet, or news available, the two families must confront not only the uncertainty of what’s happening in the world but also their trust in each other.

As tensions rise, strange occurrences outside the home — unexplained sounds, distant explosions, and unsettling animal behavior — only add to the mystery. With the world outside seemingly unraveling, the story pivots from a family drama into a nerve-wracking examination of how individuals respond to crisis.

What Works:

• Psychological Tension: Leave the World Behind excels in building a suffocating atmosphere of dread and paranoia. The sense of unease is expertly crafted, leaving the audience as unsure and anxious as the characters.
• Performances: The acting is top-notch, with Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali delivering standout performances. Roberts portrays Amanda’s increasing anxiety and helplessness convincingly, while Ali’s portrayal of George adds complexity as he navigates leadership and tension under the strain of survival.
• Subtle Exploration of Themes: Beyond the immediate thriller elements, the film touches on deeper themes like race, privilege, and societal collapse. The dynamic between the two families — one white and one Black — creates additional layers of tension and mistrust, subtly exploring issues of class and privilege in times of crisis.
• Cinematography: The visuals and sound design play a key role in heightening the tension. Esmail uses the isolation of the luxurious home contrasted against the unknown terror outside to create a sense of claustrophobia. The dark, brooding cinematography adds to the unease, particularly as night falls and the world outside becomes more ominous.

What Could Be Better:

• Pacing Issues: The film’s slow-burn approach to storytelling might not appeal to everyone. While the buildup is effective in creating tension, some viewers might find the lack of immediate answers or action frustrating as the film deliberately withholds information about the outside world.
• Ambiguous Ending: The ending leaves a lot of questions unanswered, which may be unsatisfying for those looking for a more concrete resolution. The ambiguity is part of the film’s intent — focusing on the psychological toll of uncertainty — but might feel unfulfilling for viewers expecting a clearer narrative conclusion.

Conclusion:

Leave the World Behind is an atmospheric and tense thriller that explores human fragility in the face of the unknown. Its unsettling tone, strong performances, and psychological depth make it a thought-provoking film, even if it leaves some plot points unresolved. For fans of slow-burn thrillers that prioritize mood and character over action, this film offers a gripping, eerie experience that lingers long after the credits roll.