“Leave the World Behind”: All the Latest Details, Release Date, Cast, and Storyline

Buzz is building for Sam Esmail’s latest work, the apocalyptic thriller, “Leave the World Behind.” The newly released teaser has set the stage for a riveting tale of survival, societal collapse, and trust’s fragility. With an ensemble cast and a gripping storyline, this film is poised to be a cinematic sensation. So, here are all the latest details, release date, cast, and storyline of Julia Roberts’ highly anticipated film “Leave the World Behind”.

The Plot

Derived from Rumaan Alam’s best-selling 2020 novel of the same name, the movie depicts the harrowing journey of two families caught amidst an inexplicable and widespread blackout.

Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke portray Amanda and Clay, respectively, a middle-class couple from New York, who, along with their two children, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie), are spending their vacation at a lavish Airbnb in Long Island. Their serene retreat is abruptly disrupted when the house’s actual owners, G.H. Washington, portrayed by Mahershala Ali, and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la Herrold), seek refuge, revealing alarming news of a massive cyberattack.

Amidst the encroaching darkness and spiraling panic, underlying prejudices come to the surface. Amanda, the supposedly liberal and modern protagonist, battles her own biases when confronted with the notion that G.H. and Ruth, both Black, are the rightful owners of the luxurious abode. This tense backdrop sets the stage for a riveting exploration of human behavior during a cataclysmic event, as two families struggle to come to grips with a world that’s rapidly falling apart.

The Stellar Cast

Apart from Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, and Myha’la Herrold, the film is enriched by performances from Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and the seasoned Kevin Bacon. An intriguing tidbit for movie aficionados: the role of G.H., now brilliantly portrayed by the two-time Academy Award winner, Ali, was initially considered for none other than Denzel Washington. Such casting changes are often the hidden tales of film production, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ‘what could have been’ of cinema. This film, with its blend of established and emerging talent, promises a depth of performance that’s sure to resonate with audiences.

Release Details

For those marking their calendars, “Leave the World Behind” is set for a limited theatrical release on November 22, 2023, ensuring its qualification for the year’s Academy Awards. Subsequently, Netflix subscribers can look forward to streaming the thriller from December 8 onwards.

Behind The Scenes

Sam Esmail, known for his acclaimed work on “Mr. Robot,” dons both the writer and director hats for this project. Notably, Rumaan Alam, the mind behind the original novel, serves as an executive producer, joining ranks with other prominent names, including Barack and Michelle Obama.

The movie is a significant acquisition for Netflix, which managed to secure rights following an intense bidding war. This victory seems well-deserved, especially given the novel’s accolades, which include a nomination for the 2020 National Book Award and recognition among Barack Obama’s Summer Favorites.

Filming for “Leave the World Behind” kicked off in Long Island in April 2022 and continued in Katonah, New York, the subsequent month.

In a world increasingly dominated by headlines of crises and divisions, “Leave the World Behind” promises a profound reflection on humanity’s essence when faced with adversity. Whether it’s the challenging dynamics of racial prejudice or the primal instincts that surface during cataclysms, the film is set to offer a gripping portrayal of a society at its tipping point.

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