As apocalyptic movies take over the big screen in the last few years, playing into the idea that the end of humanity is near, it’s hard to decipher which ones are worth watching. As someone who normally heads towards re-watching series like “The Office” and “New Girl”, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the recently made movie “Leave the World Behind.” Minor spoilers ahead!!
It’s a suspenseful two-hour film based on a book, following the story of a family leaving for a vacation in Long Island, when suddenly their stay is interrupted by two strangers who bring news of a blackout in the city. As the looming threat of a potential crisis grows, both families try to navigate the uncertainty of their futures.
This movie diverges from typical “end of the world” narratives by portraying a very real apocalyptic future, touching on themes of racism, society’s reliance on technology, and the imminent threat of civil war. The movie has scenes depicting plane crashes, Teslas going haywire, disrupted migrations of animals, and radiation poisoning, all of which could reasonably occur. While certain aspects of the movie were obviously fictitious, there were themes that spoke to the current state of the world. The film played with the idea that we are the most dangerous threat to nature (and ourselves), hinting that the most ominous and destructive threats can come from within society itself. The Obamas had a hand in producing the movie, which has caused some speculation about the motives behind their participation, leaving many wondering if the movie is an insider message or a warning to society.
The film is not violent or gory, yet there are hints of off-scene violence that are bone-chilling. The movie was not fast-paced, however, I did not find myself bored.
I would recommend this movie to those who want a more philosophical “end of the world” movie. While the characters seemed to lack depth, the absence of extreme gore makes it perfect for squeamish watchers. Additionally, the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat and hopefully make you think deeper about certain aspects of society. Go watch it!
