A slow-paced Hitchcockian thriller that explores societal tensions, race dynamics and the downside of technological advancement with unrealized potential.
Sam Esmail, the writer and director of Leave the World Behind, based the screenplay on the novel of the same name written by Rumaan Alam. Esmail, known for Homecoming and Mr. Robot, is fascinated by the dangerous paths technology can lead humanity, a major subject in most of his writings. Here, Esmail explores an end-of-the-world scenario with a star-studded cast in a Hitchcockian style, utilizing his unique blend of conversations and monologues, creating tension and taking us through a thought-provoking experience that may be entertaining but lacks novelty.
Amanda, played by Julia Roberts, decides to take her family of four away from their home in New York City for the weekend to a rental house in Long Island. However, nothing about the vacation seems relaxing or pleasant. Ethan Hawke, who plays the husband Clay, appears easy-going and willing enough to enjoy the time with his family. Yet, the tension between the couple remains unexplored, lingering in the air like a faint cloud with a foul smell. The kids seem to be the only ones enjoying themselves. Setbacks during the day, such as losing connectivity and discovering a ship run aground on the beach, don’t prepare the family for the unwelcome visit by a man who claims to be the owner of the rental house.
The visitor, G.H., played by Mahershala Ali, shows up wearing a tuxedo with his beautiful daughter Ruth, played by Myha’la, wishing to stay in the house for the night due to an emergency. Amanda is reluctant to trust the strangers, seemingly guided by more than her maternal instincts. It doesn’t help that the visitors are black. Clay appears to buy their plausible story and is okay with them spending the night with his family. He also notices Ruth’s beauty. There is no visible proof to validate the visitors’ claims. Amanda and Clay find themselves detached from the outside world, relying solely on their instincts.
The movie is replete with Hitchcockian tropes, from camera movements to title design reminiscent of Saul Bass’ work. However, the biggest homage to Hitchcock comes midway in an awesome scene echoing a famous sequence from North by Northwest. Attention has also been paid to the colourful production design, making the movie a visual treat. The larger the screen, the more enjoyable the movie becomes. The disorientation and paranoia experienced by the characters are expertly expressed through the camera movement skillfully handled by Esmail and cinematographer Tod Campbell.
All the principal actors deliver solid performances. However, the script didn’t adequately challenge Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke. The most enjoyable moments come from watching Myha’la and Julia Roberts banter with each other. Myha’la not only holds her own against Roberts but also outshines her, displaying intelligence and confidence effortlessly. She was also outstanding in Black Mirror’s ‘Lock Henry’ and is an artist to watch for.
Leave the World Behind doesn’t provide all the answers to the conundrum the characters are in. It feels like a jumping-off point rather than a well-rounded story. The anti-climactic resolution also might not be universally praised, but the movie is certainly worth watching as a good, slow-paced psychological thriller.
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