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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

Leave the World Behind (2023): A Netflix Thriller with More Twists Than a Pretzel

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.


Greetings, movie enthusiasts! Get ready for a cinematic rollercoaster as Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke join forces in the new Netflix thriller, Leave the World Behind. This film promises suspense, mysterious strangers, and a cyberattack that'll make you question your Wi-Fi password choices


Let's talk about the stellar cast because, let's face it, a movie without A-listers is like a sandwich without the bread. Denzel Washington was initially on board but opted for a rain check, leaving Mahershala Ali to step into the spotlight. Can we just say, "Well played, Mahershala"?


Here's a fun tidbit: Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon reunite after the cinematic adventure that was Flatliners (1990). Who would've thought we'd see the day when they'd share the screen again? Probably not Julia, but hey, reunion tours are in these days.


Now, onto the plot. A family's perfect getaway turns into a nightmare when a cyberattack decides to crash the party, leaving our protagonists device-less and vulnerable. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse, two strangers show up at their doorstep, probably just looking for a cup of sugar. Because, you know, sugar makes everything better.


Credit where it's due, Leave the World Behind does a fantastic job with subtle clues that scream, "Hey, something terrible is about to happen!" It's like an escape room, but instead of solving puzzles, you're trying not to die. The music adds a nice touch, heightening the tension without stealing the show. It's got that M. Night Shyamalan vibe – you know, the guy who made us question reality after watching The Sixth Sense.


But, like any rollercoaster, there are bumps. Is it just me, or does hip hop music infiltrate every movie soundtrack nowadays? I love a good beat, but sometimes it feels like they threw a rap song in just to check a box. Not every intense movie needs a rapper spitting bars in the background.


And let's address the unnecessary political undertones. I signed up for a thriller, not a political science class. I don't need a side of white guilt and save-the-earth rhetoric with my popcorn. Save the planet in your own time; I'm here for a good story, not a guilt trip.

Now, the ending – what happened there? All that tension, suspense, and buildup, and it deflated faster than a balloon at a kid's birthday party. I felt more let down than when my favorite ice cream got discontinued. Ugh, the disappointment was real.


Julia Roberts' daughter in the film is a Friends fanatic, and Julia herself guest-starred in an episode. It's like the universe is trying to tell us something, but we're too busy complaining about the soundtrack.


Final Verdict: 7.1/10


So, there you have it – Leave the World Behind is a rollercoaster ride with highs, lows, and a playlist that doesn't steal the spotlight. If you're into mysterious strangers, cyberattacks, and questionable soundtracks, give it a shot. Just don't expect a payoff at the end. Now, go forth, fellow movie buffs, and may your streaming choices be ever in your favor.


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