When Leave the World Behind hit bookshelves in the fall of 2020, its fictional landscape ironically mirrored the turmoil of a world grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, that disquieting narrative is making its way to the cinematic stage with a Netflix adaptation, sharing the same title.
Written and directed by Sam Esmail of Mr. Robot fame, the movie premiered in theaters on Nov. 22 and is set to grace the streaming platform on Dec. 8. Yet even three years on, the novel has fans and critics alike intrigued by the ending with many wondering how it would translate onto the screen.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
How does Leave the World Behind (2023) end?
While the cinematic adaptation took liberties with the source material, altering aspects like Ruth's relationship with George and tweaking the conclusion, both the book and the film converge on Rose, a pivotal figure in the family. In the book's ending, Rose ventures into a distant house, collects supplies, and presumably reunites with her family.
However, the movie adds a quirky twist to Rose's story—her fascination with the TV show Friends. Upon reaching the house, her priorities shift to locating a DVD player and a boxed set of all the Friends seasons in the bunker. Instead of hurrying back to her family, she proceeds to watch the final episode of Friends. While the book and the movie diverge in various aspects, their shared objective is to instill a sense of uncertainty in the audience regarding the evolving global crisis, aligning with the initial intentions of the author, Rumaan Alam.
Is Leave the World Behind (2023) based on a book?
Yes, Leave the World Behind (2023) takes inspiration from the eponymous book penned by Rumaan Alam, hitting the shelves on October 6, 2020. Earning widespread acclaim, it delves into the lives of two families thrust into a web of fears and uncertainties during an enigmatic disturbance on their secluded vacation. Alam's writing, characterized by its depth and nuance, explores themes like race, class, and family dynamics.
The book, a 2020 National Book Award for Fiction finalist, resonated with readers for its compelling narrative and timely reflections. The film adaptation, written and directed by Sam Esmail, introduces a cinematic perspective to this riveting tale, with a theatrical release on Nov. 22, followed by a Netflix debut on Dec. 8.
Who is in the Leave the World Behind (2023) cast?
Leave the World Behind delivers the apocalyptic thrill audiences didn't realize they craved. Adapted from the beloved 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam, and directed and co-written by Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), the film features an ensemble cast, including Academy Award winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, alongside Kevin Bacon and Ethan Hawke.
Roberts also wears the producer hat through her company Red Om Films, joined by producers Barack and Michelle Obama, Nick Krishnamurthy, Tonia Davis, and Daniel M. Stillman. The star-studded lineup promises a gripping cinematic experience with Esmail's creative direction and Alam's engaging narrative.
Julia Roberts as Amanda Sandford
Ethan Hawke as Clay Sandford
Mahershala Ali as G.H. Scott
Myha’la as Ruth Scott
Farrah Mackenzie as Rose Sandford
Charlie Evans as Archie Sandford
Kevin Bacon as Danny
FAQs
A. A family's weekend getaway takes a tragic turn when unexpected strangers arrive seeking refuge at the luxurious rented home.
A. Leave the World Behind, both the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam and its 2023 film adaptation, delves into apocalyptic fiction, exploring the dynamics of race and class as two families are thrust together amid an unspecified disaster that severs all communication.
A. The movie is rated R for language, some sexual content, drug use, and brief bloody images.
