In the climactic finale of "Leave the World Behind," as New York City is under siege, Rose discovers the Thorne family's bunker. Her mission is twofold: secure a place for both families to seek refuge and indulge in watching the Friends finale. This pivotal moment encapsulates the essence of "Leave the World Behind," a Netflix film written and directed by Sam Esmail, adapted from Rumaan Alam's novel. The movie is a key component of Netflix's multi-picture deal with Barack and Michelle Obama, boasting stellar performances from Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, Kevin Bacon, and more.
The narrative unfolds with Amanda Sandford (Julia Roberts) booking a vacation home, only for their plans to unravel due to a massive cyber attack disrupting the internet and communication networks. The sudden return of homeowner GH (George) Scott (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth adds an unexpected layer of complexity as the two families grapple with trust issues in the face of a deteriorating society. The situation escalates until Clay Sandford (Ethan Hawke) and George seek medical help from their neighbor Danny (Kevin Bacon), who advises them to find the Thornes' bunker – a revelation that Rose has already stumbled upon in her quest for a quiet spot to enjoy Friends.
"Leave the World Behind" is divided into five sections: Part I: The House, Part II: The Curve, Part III: The Noise, Part IV: The Flood, and Part V: The End. While these titles directly reference the events within each section, they also hold symbolic significance related to GH's three-phase plan outlined towards the movie's conclusion.
GH's plan includes:
Stage 1: Isolation (coinciding with "the noise" in Part III)
Stage 2: Synchronized Chaos (corresponding to "the flood" in Part IV)
Stage 3: Coup d'état (aligned with Part V: The Last One)
The film's structure, with its initial two parts serving as a prelude, complements GH's phases, enhancing the overall plot coherence.
Unusual animal behavior becomes a recurring motif, introducing an enigmatic layer to the apocalyptic setting. Deer, initially seen as omens in Mesoamerican mythology, take a foreboding turn when they surround Ruth and Amanda. Flamingos land in the pool, and flocks of birds traverse the sky, adding to the mysterious ambiance. Clues hint at environmental disturbances, amplified by a radio broadcast warning of a fallout-induced environmental disaster impacting animal migration patterns.
Clay's encounter in town provides another glimpse into the broader catastrophe, with reports of fallout from the cyber attack causing environmental havoc in the south. The oil tanker washing ashore serves as a tangible clue, pointing to calamities in other regions. The peculiar animal behavior, tied to events like oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, offers a subtle yet profound exploration of the film's environmental themes.
As Amanda, played by Julia Roberts, observes Danny's (Kevin Bacon) preparations, it becomes evident that some characters foresaw the impending crisis. Danny, despite lacking the resources George had, proactively readied his home for the inevitable. This revelation underscores the varied responses to the impending catastrophe and adds depth to the character dynamics.
"Leave the World Behind" transcends typical apocalyptic narratives, blending environmental and technological crises with human reactions and interactions. Sam Esmail's direction, coupled with the stellar cast, crafts a thought-provoking cinematic experience that invites viewers to ponder the consequences of a world unraveling, leaving us to grapple with the unknown – a thematic exploration encapsulated in the title, "Leave the World Behind."