Netflix’s new apocalyptic psychological thriller, Leave The World Behind, was released on 8 December. It seems to have been a hit with audiences, providing a welcome respite from the seasonal Christmas songs and movies they’re being inundated with. People who have watched the movie have taken to social media to express their shock at its climax scene.
‘Leave The World Behind’ On Netflix
The movie Leave the World Behind is written, produced, and directed by Sam Esmail, and is based on Rumaan Alam’s 2010 novel of the same name.
The synopsis of the movie reads as follows:
“A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a mysterious blackout. As the threat grows more imminent, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world.”
In addition to having a stellar cast, including the likes of Julia Roberts, Myha’la, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali, this movie is sure to have you glued to your seat. Unfortunately, there was one particular scene that left some viewers displeased.
Fan Reactions To ‘Leave The World Behind’
Many Netflix watchers swarmed to X – formerly known as Twitter – to express their dissatisfaction with the finale of Leave the World Behind.
A user wrote,
“I just finished Leave The World Behind. What kind of f**king ending!”
One user stated their angst at the ending,
“The ending pissed me off for real not worth it.”
Another agreed and wrote,
“Mann what. the ending pissed me off so badly i hit the dislike button.”
However, some viewers have defended the film, asserting that those who disliked the ending had completely missed the message of the movie.
A user insisted that people should ‘take notes’ from the ending of the film while defending it.
“The fact that everyone is upset about that ending from the movie Leave The World behind instead of actually LISTENING to what might possibly happening in our future as a reality is the real disappointment here. Instead of being angry, people should really take notes.”
Another user seconded the user’s sentiment and wrote,
“Have y’all watched Leave the world behind? I feel so uneasy because this s**t can easily happen TOMORROW.”
One user expressed how they could not believe why others did not appreciate the movie.
“The ending was perfect, I don’t understand how people don’t appreciate it.”
In an interview with Variety, Alam, author of the book on which the movie is based, expressed that he was very pleased with the ending of the movie, especially because it included Esmail’s trademark humorous surprise.
He said,
“It’s sort of self-reflective because he’s a filmmaker. He’s also worked in television, and he’s sort of asserting something about the power of that medium, and its hold over this one character.
He clarified that the particular scene isn’t a joke on FRIENDS.
“I say it’s funny, but I don’t think it’s a joke. I don’t think it’s a joke on Rose. I don’t think it’s a joke on the audience. I don’t think it’s a joke on ‘Friends.’
Alam further continued to explain that watching the movie in the theatres is ‘powerful’ and he loved the audiences’ perplexed reactions to the ending.
“It’s a reminder that art is kind of a salve. The theatrical experience of watching this movie is so powerful because I’ve had the chance to see audiences respond to the ending three times now, and nobody really knows what to make of it. They’re like, is this funny? Is this scary? Is it really over? And I love that so much.”
