Pops Saw a Movie: LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND

 We now live in a world where the enemy in an apocalyptic thriller is most likely to evoke WHEN A STRANGER CALLS. Sam Esmail’s LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND (on Netflix) is a slow build of tension and mystery, with an arresting soundtrack and mostly great performances (Julia Roberts is the weak link here, unconvincingly playing against type as a mistrusting misanthrope). The story feels all too real (well, for the most part), particularly if you’re—like myself—someone who thinks that we are perpetually on the precipice of the collapse of civilization. 

I’m sure the MAGA crowd will bemoan this as yet another piece of woke propaganda, but well, that’s kind of the point. 

For me, however, I couldn’t help but chuckle at (slight spoiler alert) the movie’s ultimate (if not primary) message: OWN YOUR MEDIA!!!!

Originally posted on social media, Dec. 13, 2023