A family’s getaway to a luxurious rental home takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices, and two strangers appear at their door.
Pam says:
To give you any of the chilling moments would take away the surprise of the film as this story is a ride we can all enjoy. What lurks around the corner is a surprise for everyone and we learn to expect the unexpected and attempt to put the pieces of the puzzle together all while questioning what we would do if we were in their shoes.
To read Pam’s review in its entirety, go to: https://reelhonestreviews.com/?p=7522&preview=true
Chuck says:
Paranoia and pessimism suffuse Sam Esmail’s adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s novel “Leave the World Behind,” a real-world horror film that presents an apocalypse scenario that’s all too real. Tautly executed – it’s 138-minute running time flies by – and terrifyingly timely, this cautionary tale is one that should be heeded. Yet, in the end, it suggests that we’re already doomed, having willingly subjugated ourselves to technology, what with our constant yearning for convenience, and that those spouting conspiracy theories we look askance at, may just be on to something.
If nothing else, Amanda (Julia Roberts) is open and direct. Stating plainly in the opening scene that she hates people, her attitude towards life is plain from the start. Thankfully, her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) is more grounded and optimistic, these opposites the parents to teenagers Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie), all of whom are embarking on an impromptu trip to the country.
Their destination is not your typical, modest Air BnB getaway but a posh mansion with more amenities than they’ll ever need. And while their day at the beach is ruined when a runaway oil tanker runs aground in front of them, they all seem to be having a good time…until they aren’t. Out of the blue, a well-dressed man, G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter, Ruth (Myha’la) show up, he claiming to be the owner of the house, she openly belligerent over having to ask permission to enter their own home.
Esmail’s expert pacing allows the tension to build naturally as Amanda’s suspicious nature immediately takes hold, weary because these strangers appeared in the middle of the night, frightened because they are black, her latent racism coming to the fore. The social aspect of this tension is magnified once it becomes apparent that SOMETHING is amiss, as all cellular service ceases, the Emergency Broadcast System warning is the only thing to be found on television and odd piercing noises are heard that shatter windows.
Some nits could be picked with the logic employed but Esmail keeps things just vague enough as to what’s going on to give himself some narrative leeway. A film such as this requires a strong cast to keep us engaged and it goes without saying that the four principals are more than capable of generating tension via their authentic interactions. Throw Kevin Bacon in as a survivalist who proves to be the most prepared and capable person to deal with the situation that’s developing, and you have a cast incapable of striking any false emotional notes.
The last shot is a darkly humorous scene that’s spot on where our dependence on technology is concerned. More telling is its unvarnished look at how the electronic devices we’ve become attached to have driven a wedge between us, interpersonal interactions just so much collateral damage in the pursuit of ease and expedience. And if “Leave” results in your heading to Home Depot to buy a generator and numerous cases of water, don’t question it. It might be a good idea.
3 1/2 Stars
