Title: Leave the World Behind
Director: Sam Esmail
Based on the novel by: Rumaan Alam
Starring: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la, Kevin Bacon
Release Date: December 8, 2023 (Netflix)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Apocalyptic Drama

Plot Summary (English):

Leave the World Behind follows Amanda and Clay Sandford, a couple from New York City, who rent a luxurious vacation home on Long Island for a family getaway with their two children. Their peaceful escape is abruptly interrupted when two strangers—G.H. and his daughter Ruth—arrive at the doorstep late at night, claiming to be the owners of the house.

They bring disturbing news: a mysterious cyberattack has disabled major infrastructure, leaving phones, internet, and television networks down. As the outside world becomes increasingly uncertain and threatening, both families are forced to confront their distrust of one another and navigate the unknown together.

Strange phenomena—including sonic booms, malfunctioning animals, and collapsing communication systems—suggest that a widespread and possibly catastrophic event is unfolding. The film explores themes of race, privilege, technology dependence, and survival in the face of societal collapse.