Film Review: Leave the world behind

 Genre: Drama / Mystery / Thriller

Cert: R-rated 

Director: Sam Esmail

Screenwriter: Rumaan AlamSam Esmail

Starring: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha'la, Farrah Mackenzie,  Charlie Evans, Kevin Bacon,  Alexis Rae Forlenza, Vanessa Aspillaga, Josh Drennen, Erica Cho, Orli Gottesman. many more...

Running time: 2h 18m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: A girl, wears a bikini at the pool and a teenage boy takes pictures of her and she needs a training bra.

A woman shares a long hug with a man who is not her husband. It looks like it might go further but then they stop.

Suggested sexual activity between a married couple. She says: "we have fifteen minutes" and he responds: "that's all I need" and they go to the bedroom.

A teenage boy briefly begins to masturbate (suggested by movement under bedcovers) to phone pictures of a teenage girl in a swimsuit but stops due to not feeling well.

A young woman walks around wearing a tank top with nothing underneath. Her nipples are visible through the shirt.

A girl asks this man if he has ever f*ed one of his students

Violence & Gore: Shocking imagery includes a plane crash site with dead bodies, a severed arm (with some blood), and a character yanking out his own teeth (blood shown).

Profanity: The f-word is used 40 times, including one usage that's preceded by "mother." The s-word is heard 13 times. We also hear a couple instances of words like "a-," "b-ch" and "h-."

G--damn is used several times in the movie.

Alcohol/drugs: Teen vapes marijuana, and sharing with an adult.

Adults smoke cigarettes and drink wine and whiskey.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Contains intense and potentially frightening scenes, given the apocalyptic nature of the plot, the looming cyberattack, and the character's struggles for survival.

The film's atmosphere is deliberately designed to evoke suspense and tension.c

Story: Amanda and Clay's aspirational vacation with their teenage children is interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged man and his daughter who own the holiday home and who have fled an unprecedented blackout in the city. When the internet, television and radio stop working, as does the landline, they have no way of finding out what is happening. As strange sonic booms shatter the peace of the countryside, and animals start to migrate in strange ways, the physical and mental health of the families begins to disintegrate. The renters are upscale and White; the owners are upscale and Black. The issues of race clash and become distractions to the more alarming things that are happening all around them.

Review: "Leave the World Behind" (2023) is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that grapples with societal tensions and the fragility of human connections. The movie skillfully weaves together elements of psychological thriller and apocalyptic drama, creating an intense and atmospheric viewing experience.

One of the film's strengths lies in its exceptional cast. The lead actors deliver compelling performances, portraying the complexities of their characters as they navigate an uncertain and increasingly hostile world. The chemistry among the cast enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative, allowing viewers to empathize with the characters' struggles and dilemmas.

The cinematography is another standout aspect of "Leave the World Behind." The film captures both the beauty and desolation of its settings, creating a visual dichotomy that mirrors the internal conflicts faced by the characters. The use of wide shots to depict the vastness of the apocalyptic landscape adds to the film's immersive quality.

The script is intelligent and thoughtfully explores societal breakdowns, fear of the unknown, and the tensions that arise when people are pushed to their limits. The narrative unfolds with a gradual intensity, maintaining a sense of suspense and unpredictability. The film successfully keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the mysteries of the unfolding apocalypse.

However, "Leave the World Behind" is not without its drawbacks. The pacing, while generally effective, may feel sluggish in certain parts, potentially testing the patience of some viewers. The film's commitment to atmospheric tension sometimes sacrifices a quicker narrative pace.

Additionally, the apocalyptic genre has been explored in various forms, and some elements of the film might feel familiar to audiences well-versed in this theme. The challenge lies in offering a fresh perspective on well-trodden ground, and while the film succeeds in many aspects, it may not break entirely new ground for seasoned viewers.

Overall:  In conclusion, "Leave the World Behind" is a compelling and well-executed exploration of societal collapse and human resilience. The stellar cast, atmospheric cinematography, and thought-provoking script contribute to a captivating cinematic experience. While it may not completely transcend the conventions of the apocalyptic genre, the film's strengths outweigh its minor shortcomings, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of intense and introspective thrillers.

Rating:  5 out of 5  for entertainment /  8 out of  10 for an intelligent film