Leave the World Behind

This is how I hoped to like Don't Look Up, but I didn't. Not even close. Leave the World Behind is a much more mysterious, clever, funny, better made and written film that actually accurately describes my feelings about the world today. Like Julia Roberts’s monologue in the shack. (12/10/2023)

After last year's Don’t Look Up!, Netflix serves up another comedic and chilling apocalyptic satire before the end of the year, and if it continues this trend for another year, I'll actually be pretty satisfied, though I have more reservations this time around. The cast is good and the atmosphere is great. It is admirable that Sam Esmail manages to keep the viewer in suspense throughout the entire 140 minutes of running time. The problem, however, arises during the finale, which has to explain all the previous events and the film's message to the viewer in such a horribly literal way that even an illiterate dullard can understand it. This is coupled with characters whose caricature-like behaviour and almost non-communication of fundamental problems, while serving the film's message, comes across as artificial and a bit annoying. Too bad. However, thumbs up for the final scene highlighting the importance of owning physical media despite being shown on Netflix. Heh. (12/20/2023)

From the same bag as Netflix’s Don’t Look Up and White Noise. And just as well aimed, but it misses the mark, as you would expect. Epistemic dialogue with a few existential ideas, though none of them are groundbreaking. Scenes of rising tension that boost the film’s drama, but every time they only give us hints as to what may be happening “out there”. And digital deer for a touch of mysticism, but without any meaningful incorporation into the plot structure. The elegant cinematography striving for inventiveness is appealing, but it doesn’t reach the level of Jordan Peel’s bold creativity. And the conversational aspect merely tries to involve sociology at the European or Asian level of screenwriting. Despite that, however, the film is entertaining and is fine to watch. And I also understand if some might find it an interesting alternative contribution to the disaster-movie genre. Because this is exactly how that could happen. (12/13/2023)

You have to be cautious with Netflix. And this is doubly true for their film productions. It's really hit or miss (and unfortunately, it often falls into the latter category). However, after watching Leave the World Behind, I definitely place it in the first category. Sam Esmail surprised me. Technically, I haven’t seen a better film on this streaming platform so far. The camera work was precise (I was in awe), and the editing was excellent. Not to mention, the actors gave their absolute best (I was pleased to see Julia Roberts on the big screen again after a while). As for the plot, I really liked how the film chose to tell its story. The fact that you often had to piece things together yourself suited me perfectly (literalness in other films can become tiresome, so I welcomed the change). Besides everything, the film also offers some gripping sequences (the plane crash, the Tesla car scene, the teeth of one of the main characters) that took my breath away. So why not a five-star rating? The ending felt a bit rushed to me. I understand the creators' decision to go this route for a possible sequel, but I would have preferred a more thought-out closure. Still, it undoubtedly earns an 8/10. P.S. The soundtrack is absolutely brilliant! (01/11/2024)

A more thoughtful, tense and overall more minimalist version of Civil War with a gradually escalating atmosphere in the style of Take Shelter. Technically outstanding. Great cinematography and editing. Superb acting, a shame some elements were left unexplained and perhaps the conclusion was too rushed given the carefully constructed build up to the finale. (05/31/2024)