"Leave the World Behind" Kicks off the 37th AFI Fest
"Leave the World Behind", the latest brainwork from illustrious creator, Sam Esmail, has been chosen as the opening spectacle for the 37th AFI Fest, scheduled to begin next month. The apocalyptic thriller, laden with Academy Award-winning talent Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, four-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, and Industry’s Myha’la, is poised to have its world premiere on October 25. The opening celebration, marked by a red carpet gala, will take place at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The movie, borne from the ingenious mind behind the "Mr. Robot" and "Metropolis" series, showcases Roberts and Hawke as Amanda and Clay, a couple renting a plush weekend retreat with their children, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). The family's tranquil vacation finds an abrupt interruption when two strangers, G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la), arrive unmannerly in the night, harboring news of a conjectural cyberattack, and pleading for shelter in the house they assert is theirs.
Renowned actor Kevin Bacon also finds his place in the movie's star-studded cast, with Esmail Corp, Red Om Films, Higher Ground Productions, and Netflix Studios sharing production credit.
“Sam Esmail is a commanding voice in the new generation of cinematic storytellers, and we are proud to present the world premiere of his new film at AFI Fest,” said AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale, lauding the director’s compelling narrative style.
The 37th AFI Fest, starting October 25 and running through October 29, is an Oscar-qualifying, five-day fiesta. It will present a variety of red carpet galas, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries, and short films.
---
Now, this news came swathed in the bristly layer of intrigue, didn’t it? Well, I must say, who needs gentle priming when you can plunge headlong into the fascinating world of cyber apocalypse.
Julia Roberts trading her radiant smile for an expression of foreboding dread, Mahershala Ali pleading for shelter amidst chaos while an unsuspecting Ethan Hawke tries to unravel the situation: sounds like the recipe for a pulse racing thriller! And really, isn't transforming the echoing halls of a luxurious home into ground zero captivating?
Then there's Mr. Esmail, famed for his cyber thriller narrative in 'Mr. Robot,' who seems to masterfully merge vacation dreams with apocalyptic nightmares with this flick. Is it the echoes of his past work or is it the charmingly odd concept that makes this movie worthy of opening the 37th AFI Fest?
And also, give it up for Kevin Bacon who shows up like a enigmatic garnishing atop this enticing cinematic dish. But let's not forget the touch of prestige Netflix Studios lends, and one wonders if this could be another strategy to cuddle the Oscar voters just in time for the awards season.
All in all, the premise of “Leave the World Behind” has a lot to soak in, offering itself as a feast for those who enjoy the thrill of navigating the nuances of a compelling storyline while appreciating the performances of an exceptionally brilliant cast. The AFI Fest promises a heady cocktail of red carpets and unique cinema, but for now, it very much seems like the world will impatiently wait for October 25 to leave it all behind and immerse in Sam Esmail's creation.
