Leave the World Behind

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)

Our world is consumed by potential controversies and secret world powers planning modern society's downfall. As the creator of the television cult classic, Mr. Robot, writer/director Sam Esmail can attribute much of his success to this cultural mindset and relies on his audience to believe in these forces that run our society. In his latest tale based on the acclaimed novel by Rumaan Alam, the celebrated director taps into the psychological mindset of many who believe the end of the world is imminent, and it may come in unexpected ways.

The Sandfords have decided to take a spontaneous trip to the coast to escape the city's stresses and spend time together as a family. Amanda (Julia Roberts) books their time away at a beautiful home on Long Island that looks like the perfect place to relax until odd things begin to occur. When she and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) take their children to the beach, all goes well until an oil tanker unexpectedly runs ashore, where they decide to swim. As they head back to the house, communications have gone down, and the Sandfords have no means of knowing what is happening in the world. All of this is compounded when they unexpectedly get a visit from George (Mahershala Ali) and Ruth (Myha'la Herrold) Scott who claim to be owners of the house and hope to take refuge in their home despite it being rented out by the vacationing family.

Rumaan Alam’s tale is a slow-burn thriller with a M Night Shyamalan feel when the legendary director is having a good day. Sam Esmail manages to capture the tension of this engaging story that unfolds on screen in a manner that keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. The stellar cast helps to gingerly push the pressure button on each stage of this unfolding narrative. Roberts and Hawke tap into the struggling married couple seeking relief from life while hoping to find answers outside their current family situation. Their relational cracks begin to form as unexpected scenarios are introduced into their holiday retreat. Granted, many of the circumstances are exceptional, but the internal strife within the family becomes a central theme that undergirds the whole experience.

On the other side of this unnerving journey is the view from the Scotts, brilliantly portrayed by Mahershala Ali and Myha'la Herrold. Even though the young actress’ character is complex to embrace and causes even more difficulties for everyone involved. Yet, these character layers provide the elements to make this a worthwhile choice for those who enjoy this film genre. It may cause anxiety for those who believe these fictional tales are too close to reality. Yet, the overall experience of Leave the World Behind provides the entertainment many seek.

REEL DIALOGUE: How will the world come to an end? It is a question of the ages.

Books, films, and religions all try to answer this query that plagues everyone at some point in their life. It can bring out fear in much of the population and conspiracy theorists who merely have to provide plausible answers to cause people to continue to ask the question. What does the Bible have to say about it all?

The book of Revelation needs to be clarified and understood. Still, it is worth engaging with others on this informative text for a more precise answer to the world's end as we know it.

How can we get peace about the end of the world? (Revelation, The Gospel of Luke)

If you would like to discuss the topic of the end of the world and God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.