Leave the World Behind (film)

Leave the World Behind
Release poster
Directed bySam Esmail
Screenplay bySam Esmail
Based onLeave the World Behind
by Rumaan Alam
Produced by
  • Julia Roberts
  • Marisa Yeres Gill
  • Lisa Gillan
  • Sam Esmail
  • Chad Hamilton
Starring
CinematographyTod Campbell
Edited byLisa Lassek
Music byMac Quayle
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release dates
  • October 25, 2023 (2023-10-25) (AFI)
  • November 22, 2023 (2023-11-22) (United States)
Running time
140 minutes[2]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Leave the World Behind is a 2023 American apocalyptic psychological thriller film written and directed by Sam Esmail. It is based on the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam. The film stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Myha'la. Set in Long Island, it revolves around two families as they try to make sense of a rapid breakdown in phones, television, and other common technology which points to a potential cataclysm. The subtext throughout the film intersects with racism and class bias.

Leave the World Behind had its world premiere at the AFI Fest on October 25, 2023. It was released in select theaters on November 22, 2023, before its streaming release by Netflix on December 8, 2023. It received positive reviews from critics.

  1. ^ Grobar, Matt (April 14, 2022). "The Obamas' Higher Ground Boards Sam Esmail's Netflix Pic Leave the World Behind". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  2. ^ "Leave the World Behind (15)". BBFC. December 22, 2023. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.