Ever since I had the notion to write a novel, I have fantasized about what it would be like to have that story recreated into a movie. I am sure that purists would clamor that this is the worst possible reason to ver write a book, but maybe they are just in denial about the entertaining trappings of success. Who knows? I know I do not.

The film industry has been relying on source material for a very long time and it has become commonplace to see a film based on a novel or book, even when that story was not super popular, but especially when it IS popular. With that in mind, Netflix has dropped a new one, which takes advantage of that practice: “Leave the World Behind,” based on the novel of the same name, by Rumaan Alam (“That Kind of Mother”), which was first-published just three years ago.

The movie adaptation was written and also directed by Sam Esmail (“Acts of Crime”), who has mainly been staying active in the realm of television over the past 10 years or so. Although he is listed as a producer, he was joined by: Marisa Yeres Gill, Lisa Gillan, Chad Hamilton AND Julia Roberts (“Ticket to Paradise”), who co-starred in the film, itself, as Amanda Sandford. So, about that…

I would be lying if I said that I did not have a history of mixed reactions to Julia’s acting, over the years, as well as the movies she has appeared in. Here, her apparent lack of likability, as a character, is something that may challenge audience members when trying to relate to her as an actress. Beside her for the ride, figuratively and literally, is Ethan Hawke (“Raymond & Ray”) as Clay Sandford, her husband. He does not have as much to do in this film and his emotions and reactions are not as fiery, but he seems to work well with Julia, throughout. They have two kids, as well— Rose and Archie, played by Farrah Mackenzie and Charlie Evans, respectively. I would say that Farrah’s character was more intriguing and impactful to the story and Archie was just there to look pretty and signal certain, important details for the story arc, but that is my own, personal opinion about them.

The rest of the cast consists of only: Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”) as George “G.H.” Scott, Myha’la (“Bodies, Bodies, Bodies”) as Ruth Scott and Kevin Bacon (“One Way”) as Danny. Danny makes a small appearance early on, for something of an establishing shot, and then resurfaces, later on, for one scene; one that is important, nonetheless. George and Ruth find themselves in an unexpected relationship with the Sandfords. Most of the drama is between two women of extremely different backgrounds, but one that should leave the audience realizing that for all of the differences these two have, they are actually very much alike. One can only hope that this, somehow, brings them together when it matters most.

“Leave the World Behind” is divided into chapters, just as in the original book. At the start, we see a wealthy, white family simply making an attempt to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. The apparent incongruence of the music that plays in these early scenes seems to be drawing attention to the stark contrast between THIS family and their new surroundings. The original music, composed by Mac Quayle, is foreboding, along the way. I cannot say if I liked it or not, but it was still effective.

Overall, as a thriller, I thought “Leave the World Behind” was very effective. There were not any big jump scares, but even as I could see what might be coming next, I was thrilled by the experience. For the most part, the principle characters did not state the obvious, but merely hinted at certain, subtle issues which most of us are familiar with. I can only think of one, specific moment where anything was so obviously stated and it did NOT come from whom you might have expected it to. Could this be a symptom of modern changes in society at large? Maybe. What if it has been here all along, but is just now coming to the surface?

The experience of “Leave the World Behind” stayed with me for awhile. Thankfully, the real world summoned me back and I could LEAVE this movie behind, but I was not displeased with that experience. It could only be so good, but could have been so much worse, as well. For that, the effort is commendable. The greatest strength comes in the overall acting performances, though Ali is the stand out, as he usually is. The ending came abruptly, but I was okay with how it all wrapped up. The premise was unsettling because it was believable; at least to ME it was. If nothing else, it should give us pause, but even if it did not, I think it was well-done.

Director: Sam Esmail

Screenwriter: Esmail

Based on: “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam

Starring: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon

Distributor: Netflix

Release date: October 25^th, 2023 (AFI) and November 22^nd, 2023 (Netflix)