Leave the World Behind

On a rare vacation, a family checks into a sunlit luxury house that promises rest and privacy. A sudden power outage plunges the home into silence and uncertainty, and the adults exchange cautious glances as the Wi Fi dies and screens go dark. Then two strangers arrive claiming to be the homeowners, bringing a quiet sense of intrusion that heightens the tension. The atmosphere darkens as questions multiply faster than answers, and the group begins to confront the uneasy possibility that safety may be a construct. With every whispered theory, the distance between belief and doubt narrows, leaving them to decide what matters most when help feels distant and trust feels fragile. Time slows as the storm outside rattles the windows.

Directed by Sam Esmail, this adaptation brings Rumaan Alam's novel to screen with a star studded cast. It released in 2023 as a Netflix feature, pairing Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali in a tense, intimate drama for audiences.

Box office figures are not widely reported since the film streams on Netflix rather than relying on a broad theatrical run. The release strategy centers on streaming performance and audience reach, rather than traditional box office tallies in global markets.

As of now, the film has not earned major nominations or wins from the Academy Awards, the Emmys, or the Golden Globes. The ensemble has drawn some praise from critics for its restraint and chemistry, but industry recognition remains limited and awards season chatter is quiet for this title overall.

Critics note a taut mood and performances that highlight themes of dependence on technology, social trust, and the fragility of safety. The film keeps a lean claustrophobic focus, using moments to explore race and class under pressure, inviting reflection. It raises questions about control when the world outside is inaccessible. And what counts as safety itself.