Picture a serene weekend escape to a luxurious Long Island retreat—a perfect getaway. However, in Netflix’s chilling new thriller, “Leave the World Behind,” executive produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, the idyllic scene takes a nightmarish turn as apocalyptic chaos unfolds.

The movie features Hollywood heavyweights Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a couple who plan a peaceful weekend with their children. But as darkness falls, their tranquil getaway becomes a battleground for survival.

Mahershala Ali takes on the role of the homeowner, who arrives at their doorstep in the dead of night, seeking refuge with his daughter, portrayed by Myha’la Herrold.

The cause of the impending apocalypse remains shrouded in mystery, as the film delves deeper into the tense dynamics within the walls of the isolated home. Will these two families collaborate to survive, or will they succumb to paranoia and turn against one another?

Joining the ensemble cast is Kevin Bacon, playing a conspiracy-obsessed construction worker, as well as Farrah Mackenzie and Charlie Evans, portraying Roberts and Hawke’s children.

“Leave the World Behind” marks a significant shift for Higher Ground Productions, as it represents their first foray into fictional films. Prior to this, the Obamas’ banner primarily focused on producing children’s programs, documentaries, and historical dramas.

Renowned director Sam Esmail, known for creating “Mr. Robot,” adapted the screenplay from Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel. Notably, former President Obama included Alam’s novel on his 2021 summer reading list.

Director Sam Esmail shared his perspective on the film, stating, “Having gone through the pandemic, and then the take-your-pick of any number of other disaster-related events like climate change, and the heat wave that we just experienced over the summer, it is the unknown — and the fear of it — that we try to capture in this film,” in an interview with Vanity Fair.

“Leave the World Behind” is set to hit theaters on November 22, followed by its Netflix debut on December 8. As anticipation builds for this suspenseful tale of survival and the human condition, viewers can expect a thought-provoking exploration of fear, uncertainty, and the bonds that connect us in the face of impending catastrophe.

Explore a Tense Apocalyptic Thriller: “Dive into the suspenseful world of ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Discover our Leave the World Behind movie review to see how this film masterfully blends social commentary with a gripping apocalyptic narrative, led by standout performances from Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali.”