There’s a lot of big names on this one.
Netflix’s official trailer for “Leave the World Behind,” an apocalyptic thriller, stars Ethan Hawke and Julia Roberts and is executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.
The premise of the film is as follows: Amanda (Roberts) and her husband Clay (Hawke) rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie and Rose. Their vacation takes an unexpected turn when two strangers, G.H. and his daughter Ruth, arrive in the night. They bear news of a mysterious cyberattack and seek refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families must 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 based on the acclaimed novel by Rumaan Alam and is written by Sam Esmail, the showrunner of “Mr. Robot.”
Esmail revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that former President Obama provided him with script notes for the film. Esmail initially pushed the boundaries of the script, but Obama’s guidance helped ground the story in a more realistic portrayal of how events might unfold. Esmail expressed his gratitude for Obama’s input, stating, “The fact that he said that scared the fuck out of me.”
This project is the latest production by the Obamas as part of their Netflix overall deal, which they signed in 2018. They recently released the docuseries “Working: What We Do All Day.”
“Leave the World Behind” will open AFI Fest and will have a theatrical release on November 22. It will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 8.
The collaboration between Netflix, Ethan Hawke, Julia Roberts, and the Obamas is poised to create a highly anticipated and thought-provoking film. With Hawke and Roberts as the lead actors, audiences can expect powerful performances that delve into the complexities of the characters and the world they inhabit.
The apocalyptic genre has long fascinated audiences, exploring the depths of human nature and the challenges faced in times of crisis. “Leave the World Behind” promises to bring a unique perspective to the genre, tackling themes of family, survival, and the fragility of society.
The involvement of Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers adds an additional layer of intrigue. Since leaving the White House, the Obamas have shown a keen interest in storytelling and using media to inspire social change. Their partnership with Netflix has allowed them to bring important stories to the screen, amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on pressing issues.
“Leave the World Behind” is another entry in the Obamas’ impressive lineup of productions. Their influence and commitment to telling diverse and impactful stories have made them a driving force in the entertainment industry.
As the film opens AFI Fest and heads to theaters and streaming platforms, it is likely to generate significant buzz and spark discussions among audiences. The combination of a compelling story, talented cast, and the involvement of the Obamas makes “Leave the World Behind” a must-watch for fans of thrillers and those interested in thought-provoking cinema.
In conclusion, “Leave the World Behind” is an apocalyptic thriller that boasts an impressive cast, including Ethan Hawke and Julia Roberts. Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, the film explores themes of family, survival, and the fragility of society. Based on the acclaimed novel by Rumaan Alam and written by Sam Esmail, the showrunner of “Mr. Robot,” the film promises to offer a unique perspective on the apocalyptic genre. As part of the Obamas’ overall deal with Netflix, “Leave the World Behind” represents their ongoing commitment to telling diverse and impactful stories. With its upcoming premiere at AFI Fest and subsequent theatrical and streaming release, the film is sure to make a splash and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
