“Everyone’s been talking about “Leave the World Behind,” and I had to see for myself what all the commotion was about. The film stars Julia Roberts, as a jaded, burned-out mother/wife who works in advertising.  She decides to take her micro family on a vacation to get away from the perpetual bustle of the city. They end up in a breathtaking vacation rental in Long Island. The family is prototypical of families today with cell phones, gadgets, and smart TVs. This trip seems to offer them the panacea to reset their batteries before returning to the “real” world . . . NYC.  During a trip to the local beach, an oil tanker lands on the beach, signaling something’s off.” – Kaylene Peoples

In the Netflix movie “Leave the World Behind,” skillful direction and an outstanding cast led by Julia Roberts, create a gripping narrative that combines visual spectacle with a thought-provoking exploration of societal complacency. Set against the contrasting backdrops of Long Island and New York City, the film unfolds as a suspenseful tale of escape for a disillusioned mother, Amanda, played by Roberts. Taking her technology-laden family on a retreat, the idyllic setting quickly turns into an ordeal as symbolic clues hint at an impending crisis. The film’s opening, featuring current music transitioning to a traditional score, reflects the family’s modern existence and the looming upheaval.

As the family encounters self-driving Teslas and unexpected Airbnb hosts, George H. Scott (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la), the plot delves into a gripping exploration of survival. Roberts delivers a nuanced performance, embodying a desperate communicator amidst her oblivious family members: a hormonal 17-year-old son Archie (Charlie Evans); and tween daughter Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) who finds refuge in the seemingly mundane allure of the last episode of “Friends.”

“Leave the World Behind” excels not only in narrative depth but also in the effective blend of visuals and music, creating a cinematic experience that oscillates between the contemporary and the traditional. Symbolic clues add an engaging layer of mystery, inviting audiences to decipher the impending crisis alongside the characters.

Thematically, the film serves as a contemplative warning, urging viewers to reflect on the perils of complacency in a society enamored with technology. The portrayal of the family’s struggle becomes a metaphor for our collective challenge in discerning critical signals amidst distractions. The dichotomy between the electronic cocoon and the challenges of an uncertain future becomes palpable, posing the question: Are we, like the characters in the film, too engrossed in our electronic bubble to navigate the challenges that lie ahead?

“Leave the World Behind” is not just a suspenseful cinematic experience; it’s a thought-provoking call to action, challenging us to listen to the warnings that might guide us through the uncertainties of tomorrow. In the tradition of great films, it raises questions that linger long after the credits roll, leaving audiences both captivated and contemplative.

I give “Leave the World Behind” 5 out of 5 stars, primarily for its intriguing form of (perceived) predictive programming. Drawing parallels to the Oscar-winning “Outbreak,” where life imitated art in an uncanny play-by-play scenario, this film emerges as another harbinger of imminent warnings for the complacent American population. Delving into the narrative, one can’t help but wonder if “Leave the World Behind” serves as a cautionary tale aligned with the concerns echoed by figures like Barack and Michelle Obama. Is it a cinematic compass pointing towards an impending reality, urging us to reassess our overreliance on electronics in the face of chaos or looming war?

The film poignantly questions our attachment to technology, prompting a sobering reflection on whether our electronic comforts render us utterly useless when confronted with crisis as evidenced by Ethan Hawke’s character and his uttered dialog in more than one occasion in the film. It leaves the audience to ponder, “Do we, as a society, still possess the essential skills needed in times of uncertainty?” (I’m pretty sure I know the answer to that question.) In a world consumed by gadgets, can we navigate without them within our “modern” existence? I still remember how to read a map, do you?

With its doomsday overshadowing, “Leave the World Behind” could be interpreted as a call to action, a plan of preparation for the unpredictable future. Yet, as history has repeatedly demonstrated, warnings often fall on deaf ears.

Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts on this compelling narrative that seems to echo the unheeded warnings of our past? “Leave the World Behind” not only captivates but also challenges us to reflect on the resonances of caution that often go unnoticed in the cacophony of our daily lives.

Written & Directed by Sam Esmail, based on the novel “Leave the World Behind”
Produced by Julia Roberts, Marisa Yeres Gill, Lisa Gillan, Sam Esmail, and Chad Hamilton
Starring: Julia Roberts, Mahershalia Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la, Kevin Bacon
Cinemotagraphy by Tod Campell; Edited by Lisa Lassek; Music by Mac Quayle; Distributed by Netflix