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The creator behind USA Network’s groundbreaking series “Mr. Robot,” Sam Esmail, continues his knack for crafting societal unease in his latest Netflix film, “Leave the World Behind.” Tasked with reimagining the sci-fi classic “Battlestar Galactica,” Esmail, alongside former U.S. president Barack Obama, has crafted a compelling narrative based on Rumaan Alam’s book, starring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke.
The film centers on Amanda (played by Roberts), determined to whisk her family away on a vacation. As they arrive at a vacation home she booked, catastrophic cyberattacks plunge the world into chaos. Amid the crisis, a family, claiming ownership of the property, arrives—introducing Ruth (Myha’la) and G.H. Scott (Mahershala Ali). The Sandford family grapples with suspicions about the newcomers’ credibility, heightened by the impossibility of verifying their claims.
Entangled together in a world falling apart, “Leave the World Behind” weaves familiar dystopian themes of deceit and distrust with a sci-fi twist. While these elements alone promise a gripping narrative, an unexpected figure adds an extra layer of authenticity to the project.
Barack Obama, after concluding his tenure as a two-term president, ventured into the entertainment industry through his production company, Higher Ground Productions. Collaborating with Esmail on the film, Obama offered insightful notes on how reality might unfold at the brink of calamity.
Esmail acknowledged Obama’s contributions, emphasizing the former president’s keen focus on the cautionary tale of mistrust. Obama’s feedback emphasized the importance of empathetic elements and realism in the context of an end-of-the-world scenario. Leveraging his Oval Office experiences, Obama guided Esmail away from less realistic story elements while providing invaluable insights into character dynamics.
Drawing from his powerful position as a former president, Obama offered a unique perspective on how high-pressure situations could fray interpersonal relationships. This insight was particularly valuable in a movie where tensions escalate between two families forced to cohabit amid mounting prejudices. Amanda’s racially charged reactions towards the newcomers reflect a societal commentary relevant to today’s world.
As “Leave the World Behind” navigates societal turmoil and human nature under extreme duress, Obama’s involvement adds a layer of authenticity and societal insight to the film. Set to premiere on Netflix, this thought-provoking narrative promises to captivate audiences with its timely and poignant commentary on contemporary issues.