Netflix’s psychological thriller “Leave The World Behind” has stirred a whirlwind of reactions, particularly for its enigmatic and polarizing ending. The film, directed and produced by Sam Esmail, has become a topic of heated discussion among viewers since its release on the streaming platform.
The movie, which unfolds around a family’s vacation in a luxurious villa disrupted by a cyberattack and the sudden appearance of two strangers, has left audiences divided. The film’s climax, in particular, has been a point of contention, with some viewers labeling it as the “worst movie ending ever.”
On social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers have expressed their frustration. One user commented, “Leave the world behind .. gotta have the worst ending ever.” Another shared their disappointment, saying, “DO F*ING NOT watch Leave the world behind on Netflix 2.5 hours of my life I will never f**kin get back worst ending in the history of films ever.” The sentiments were echoed by others, with comments like “Leave the world behind. Worst ending I’ve ever seen. Don’t waste your time” and “‘Leave the world behind’ had the worst ending …. Like ever.”
The film concludes with a thought-provoking twist, as the character Rose, portrayed by Farrah Mackenzie, retreats to a doomsday bunker and watches the final episode of “Friends.” As the world outside descends into chaos, the familiar theme song of the iconic TV show plays, juxtaposing the unfolding disaster with a sense of normalcy and nostalgia.
Sam Esmail, renowned for his work on “Mr. Robot,” drew inspiration from the early days of the pandemic. Speaking to Netflix’s Tadum, he said, “I read the book [by Rumaan Alam] in the very, very early days of the pandemic, and I just remember that feeling of uncertainty was terrifying in a way that felt scarier than the monsters that you would see on TV or horror films that you would watch.”
The film maintains an air of mystery, offering clues but never fully revealing its secrets. Esmail aimed to keep the audience engaged without revealing too much, stating, “You want to leave enough breadcrumbs to [leave] the audience wanting more, but not give too much away where they can be ahead of you.”
The “Friends” subplot plays a crucial role in the film’s ending, symbolizing escapism for Rose amidst the chaos. Esmail explained the significance, saying, “In moments of crisis when we’ve lost sight of our common humanity, when we feel isolated, we do want to escape to comfort. And for Rose, I thought her journey wouldn’t be complete until she watched the final episode of her favorite show.”
The ending, while not overtly hopeful, hints at resilience in the face of adversity. Esmail shared, “There’s a painting that’s hung up on the end of the hallway before Rose goes down into the basement that says ‘Hope begins in the dark.’ As dark as it could get, as bleak as it can get, we can always strive to find some hope.”
Rumaan Alam, the author of the book and an executive producer on the film, praised Esmail’s ending, calling it “so satisfying” to Variety. He emphasized the ending’s intention to highlight the power of art in providing comfort, saying, “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.”
The ending resonated with some viewers, including myself, who saw it as a lesson in seizing the moment. While other characters face dire situations, Rose chooses to indulge in her favorite show, a decision that reflects her determination to live in the moment.
“Leave The World Behind” has undoubtedly sparked debate and discussion with its unconventional ending. Whether it’s viewed as a masterstroke or a misstep, the film has left an indelible mark on its audience. What are your thoughts on the ending? Share your opinions in the comments!
