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08th Dec 2023

New apocalyptic disaster thriller with huge cast is now streaming on Netflix

Stephen Porzio

It comes from the creator of one of the best shows of recent years.

Netflix are adding one of the most anticipated thriller movies of the year to its streaming service this week.

Titled Leave the World Behind, the film is based on the acclaimed 2020 apocalyptic novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam and features an ace ensemble cast of Ethan Hawke, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Mahershala Ali and Myha’la.

The plot synopsis for the movie from Netflix reads:

“Amanda (Roberts) and her husband Clay (Hawke) rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs.

“The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute, forcing everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.”

Leave the World Behind is coming to Netflix this week

Written and directed by Sam Esmail (best known for creating the hit series Mr. Robot), the reviews for Leave the World Behind have been very positive, with the movie currently holding an 80% Rotten Tomatoes.

Here’s a sample of some of the glowing write-ups the film has received from critics so far.

Chicago Sun-Times: “An impressively unnerving film with things to say about race, tech and conspiracy theories.”

IndieWire: “The film is able to turn what might literally be the end of the world into a gripping stage play because the four adults are so well-written. Ali steals the show as George.”

Observer (UK): “A provocative, superbly acted action drama that combines big-hitting ambition and spectacle with just enough humour to temper the whole end-of-civilisation meltdown scenario.”

Times (UK): “The performances are flawless and the shooting style sensational.”

TheWrap: “Leave the World Behind enters the stage as one of the year’s best and no doubt will spark massive amounts of conversation.”

Leave the World Behind will be added to Netflix on Friday, 8 December.

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