Leave The World Behind - Take Warning

 

Streaming on Netflix

    There is no denying that the modern world is overtly divided for ridiculous and repugnant reasons. Chief among them is our overreliance upon technology, our elected leaders acting like spoiled children arguing over who gets to play with the toy truck more, and an unhealthy desire to be right rather than informed. With everything regarding our future floating in space, what can we expect or should we prepare for? That challenging question is tackled and presented expertly in today's film, Leave The World Behind. A character-driven thriller that brings the horrors of our potential future front and center while still delivering an enthralling, entertaining, and engaging experience. 

    Based on the novel by Rumaan Alam, the story follows a family taking an impromptu vacation away from the city at a luxurious cabin, seeking a temporary getaway from the hustle and bustle of the world. However, shortly after arriving, things turn for the strange: all of their devices have mysteriously lost their signals, the local animals appear to be acting unusual, and what little information they obtain is vague at best & unpleasant at worst. Not helped by the arrival of the original owners showing up in the middle of the night in need of a place to stay, which some family members find a tad suspicious. As the days go on and everyone begins putting the pieces together, they will soon learn what is happening and what must be done for survival. 

    The film does a remarkable job of presenting the characters and situations with engaging tension. Carried along beautifully with a talented cast, sharp writing, and mindful direction that presents a human story with no fear. Not to mention some insightful and appreciated commentary on things like perception, family, and the importance of physical media of all types. The film succeeds in being insightful and provocative without appearing preachy or pretentious. 

    The film comes to us courtesy of writer/director Sam Esmail, whom you may recall as the creative mind behind the Amazon Prime show Homecoming. A series I have not reviewed but have seen and enjoyed exponentially. Many of Sam Esmail's artistic signatures (elaborate camerawork, animal motifs, and psychological suspense) can be found in his feature-film debut. In short, I would gladly put him on par with Alfred Hitchcock for his expertise in suspense and mastery of the film language; I look forward to his next cinematic adventure, whatever it may be. 

    Leave The World Behind is a relevant and, dare I say, riveting film that deserves your attention. It is suspenseful, occasionally funny, and gives a few essential points about what it will take to ensure our survival in this modern world. It will scare you, as it should, and you just might thank the movie for it. I know I did. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

The Holdovers - A Different Kind of Holiday Cheer

 

For rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, and Amazon 

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” 

-Marcus Aurelius

The filmography of director Alexander Payne can best be described (so far) as mostly well-told stories with unusual commentary. I say “mostly” well told because his endings, more often than not, leave a bit more to be desired. A running theme of his work appears to be shining a light on the more minor and often overlooked aspects of the human experience that can significantly impact the world and ourselves. When his endings land well, you get masterpieces like Sideways and About Schmidt, but when they don’t, you get ambitious disappointments like Downsizing. 

His latest offering, The Holdovers, stands out as one of his better films, with an ending that successfully hits the mark without a hitch. It is a classic coming-of-age story that somehow feels fresh in its classical presentation with a firm and tangible commentary on what “making a difference” can sometimes mean. Plus, it has a good chance of becoming a new Holiday classic. 

Set in the 1970s at an all-boys boarding school, the story follows a disgruntled ancient history teacher named Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), who finds himself unexpectedly tasked with staying on campus to care for the boys who cannot return home for Winter break. Among his handful of prepubescents is a teenager named Agnus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a massive pain in the butt for most of the school. Over the next two weeks, arguments will be had, secrets will be revealed, and everyone’s true nature will be exposed. How they may choose to react will be entirely up to them. 

The most important thing to remember when watching this movie, and I recommend you do so, is that it will take a little while before it becomes genuinely engaging. The film's first half observes the characters at their most unlikable and unstable moments, which may cause unintentional boredom (for want of a better word). However, at some time, just before the mid-way point, the characters will peel back their armor, as it were, and reveal their true colors and why they are worth your time. Typically, this character introduction is less favorable as it diminishes an audience's ability to connect and invest. Still, I assure you, it will all be worth it. 

The Holdovers is probably Alexander Payne’s best film to date. It has a solid story with enough comic relief to make the drama all the more digestible, and its committed performances from the cast will deliver a solid experience. This might be worthwhile if you’re looking for a new Holiday classic with some real humanity behind it. 

Check it out. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.