Leave the World Behind | 2023

Main Plot

In Leave the World Behind, a family escapes to a lavish vacation home, hoping for a peaceful retreat. Their plans are disrupted when a sudden and mysterious cyberattack causes all their electronic devices to fail, plunging them into isolation. The situation grows more unsettling when two strangers arrive unexpectedly, claiming to be the owners of the house and seeking refuge from the chaos unfolding outside. As communication with the outside world remains impossible, tensions mount between the two families, each unsure if they can trust the other. With mounting uncertainty and fear, they must navigate the growing sense of danger and unravel the truth behind the widespread technological failure, all while confronting their own anxieties and prejudices. The film explores themes of trust, survival, and the fragility of modern society in the face of the unknown.

Characters

• Julia Roberts plays Amanda Sandford, a mother seeking escape and relaxation with her family. As the crisis unfolds, Amanda must confront her own fears and prejudices to protect those she loves.
• Mahershala Ali portrays G.H. Scott, the enigmatic owner of the rental home. G.H. faces suspicion and distrust while struggling to reunite his own family and maintain order amid chaos.
• Ethan Hawke appears as Clay Sandford, Amanda's husband and a mild-mannered academic. Clay is forced to adapt and take charge as the world outside spirals into uncertainty.

Ending Explained

As Leave the World Behind reaches its conclusion, the mounting tension from the cyberattack and the arrival of the strangers culminates in a profound sense of uncertainty and vulnerability. The family, initially seeking a peaceful escape, is forced to confront the collapse of the world they know as communication and trust break down. The strangers, whose motives were unclear at first, become unlikely allies as everyone realizes the crisis is far larger than any personal conflict. The film ends on an ambiguous note, with the characters seeking refuge together, their fate unresolved as the full extent of the disaster remains unknown. This open-ended resolution underscores the fragility of modern life and the importance of human connection in the face of chaos. The story closes without clear answers, leaving viewers to ponder the consequences of technological dependence and the unpredictable nature of catastrophe, while the characters’ shared ordeal hints at the possibility of unity and resilience amid uncertainty.