When a movie opens with something as unsettling as a world without Wi-Fi, you know you're in for a ride. Sam Esmail, famously known for his work on 'Mr. Robot', steers the 2023 thriller, 'Leave the World Behind'. This cinematic cocktail blends drama, mystery, and candid moments captured by the lens, showcasing the directorial finesse we've come to expect from Esmail. Here’s my personal movie review of this intriguing piece.
The plot centers around a family leisurely enjoying their luxurious escape, which quickly turns terrifying when a cyberattack cuts off all their tech lifelines. Enter Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as the unsuspecting vacationers. Things get really interesting when two strangers—brought to life by the formidable Mahershala Ali and rising star Myha'la—arrive at their doorstep with unsettling news. Let's face it, the premise hooks you; the idea of a tech-blackout while on vacation is every millennial's worst nightmare! The film seamlessly intertwines tense moments with an electric atmosphere that’ll keep your eyes glued to the screen—with your phone turned off of course.
On to the juicy stuff: the acting. Julia Roberts, as always, delivers a compelling performance, but it’s Ali and Hawke that truly steal the show. Ali is magnetic—his presence painting a layer of mystery and gravitas fitting for his role. Ethan Hawke adds his signature intensity, making the tension palpable in almost every scene he’s in. Myha'la and Farrah Mackenzie are promising additions, bringing youthful vigor and vulnerability to the high-strung dynamic. What really stands out, though, is Esmail's direction and Rumaan Alam's vivid screenplay. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the serene setting and the sneaking dread lurking beneath, and it’s in these juxtapositions that the film really excels.
This movie places itself in good company with similar recent thrillers like 'The Invisible Man' and 'Gone Girl'. The pacing is reminiscent of Hitchcockian suspense, yet its digital-age theme sets it apart. There’s a narrative density here that echoes back to movies like 'Contagion' where each thread of the plot converges for a captivating film critique. If you’re someone who enjoyed the psychological twists of Gone Girl or the high anxiety of 'A Quiet Place', then 'Leave the World Behind' should sit right at home on your watchlist.
If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of edge-of-your-seat suspense with a dash of modern drama, this is undoubtedly a must-watch film. So grab your popcorn, turn off your phone—probably a wise move just this once—and dive into this cinematic masterpiece. It might not change your life, but it’ll definitely make you think twice before disconnecting your Wi-Fi!