Julia Roberts Stars in the Intriguing Disaster Thriller “Leave The World Behind”

Julia Roberts, renowned for her diverse acting roles, steps into a new character in her latest film, “Leave The World Behind.” This disaster thriller, which she describes as a complex narrative with multiple simultaneous developments, deviates from her usual persona to portray Amanda, a cynical advertising director known for her inherent suspicion and prickliness. This role, differing from Roberts’ natural disposition, provided her with a welcome challenge to make her character both human and relatable.

“Leave The World Behind” is a story of two families thrown into an uncertain situation. Roberts’ character Amanda, along with her husband and children, sets off for an impromptu vacation in a quaint town on Long Island. Their peaceful retreat takes a dramatic turn when a man and his daughter, portrayed by Mahershala Ali and Myha’la Herrold, arrive unannounced. Claiming to be the owners of the house, they seek shelter for the night. As the plot unfolds, the two families find themselves under one roof, grappling with external chaos and escalating tension between them.

The film, executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, is an adaptation of Rumaan Alam‘s best-selling novel. However, Sam Esmail, the creator of “Mr. Robot” and the writer-director of this adaptation, emphasizes that the movie takes significant creative liberties from the source material. Esmail explains that while some aspects work well in a literary format, they might not translate effectively onto the screen. He states that he discussed these changes with Alam, ensuring that both the book and the film could stand independently while complementing each other.

This adaptation strategy aims to provide audiences with a unique viewing experience that diverges from the novel’s narrative while retaining its core themes. Roberts’ portrayal of Amanda is central to this reinterpretation, offering a nuanced performance that delves into the character’s complexities.

“Leave The World Behind,” also featuring Ethan Hawke and Kevin Bacon, promises to be a compelling addition to the disaster thriller genre. The film is set for a limited theatrical release, followed by availability on Netflix starting December 8, bringing this intriguing story to a broad audience.

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