As "Leave the World Behind" (2023 release; 141 min.) opens, we are introduced to a New York couple, Clay and Amanda. Amanda is an outright misanthrope. On a whim, she books an Airbnb for a weekend getaway on Long Island. The place is beyond a McMansion, and their teenage kids love the pool and the nearby beach. Then something very strange happens at the beach... At this point we are 10 minutes into the film.
Couple of comments: this is directed by Sam Esmail, bet known for his TV work on "Mr. Robot". Here he brings the novel of the dame name to the screen. I have not read the novel and hence cannot comment whether the screen adaptation stays true to the novel. There are a number of particular aspects to the movie, including the camera work, with tons of extended floating shots. But also this: exposing white liberal racism (as portrayed by Julie Roberts' character Amanda), conspiracy theories (as portrayed by Kevin Bacon's character Danny), and much more. It may sound like a strange cocktail mix, but somehow the movie kept my attention from start o finish, even if its running time is a bit too long for its own good. The acting performances are top notch. In addition to Roberts and Bacon, there is also Mahershala Ali (as the Black owner of the Airbnb place) and Ethan Hawke (as Amanda's husband).
"Leave the World Behind" started streaming on Netflix this weekend. The movie caught my attention when reading a review of it in yesterday's NY Times which was less than flattering (the reviewed kept comparing it unfavorably to the original novel, which of course I have not read). Regardless, "Leave the World Behind" is currently rated 75% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for an off-center apocalyptic psychological drama, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is directed by Sam Esmail, bet known for his TV work on "Mr. Robot". Here he brings the novel of the dame name to the screen. I have not read the novel and hence cannot comment whether the screen adaptation stays true to the novel. There are a number of particular aspects to the movie, including the camera work, with tons of extended floating shots. But also this: exposing white liberal racism (as portrayed by Julie Roberts' character Amanda), conspiracy theories (as portrayed by Kevin Bacon's character Danny), and much more. It may sound like a strange cocktail mix, but somehow the movie kept my attention from start o finish, even if its running time is a bit too long for its own good. The acting performances are top notch. In addition to Roberts and Bacon, there is also Mahershala Ali (as the Black owner of the Airbnb place) and Ethan Hawke (as Amanda's husband).
"Leave the World Behind" started streaming on Netflix this weekend. The movie caught my attention when reading a review of it in yesterday's NY Times which was less than flattering (the reviewed kept comparing it unfavorably to the original novel, which of course I have not read). Regardless, "Leave the World Behind" is currently rated 75% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for an off-center apocalyptic psychological drama, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.