“Leave the World Behind” is a post-apocalyptic thriller that has taken the world by storm since its release on Netflix. Starring big names like Ethan Hawke, Julie Roberts, and Mahershala Ali, this film is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. But with the film’s cryptic ending, many viewers are left scratching their heads and searching for answers. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the final moments of “Leave the World Behind” to unravel its mysteries and give you a better understanding of what really happened.
Overview of the Film
The Sanford Family’s Vacation Turned Nightmare
First, let’s start with a brief overview of the film. “Leave the World Behind” follows the Sanford family, who go on an impromptu vacation to a rental property in a secluded area. However, their vacation quickly takes a dark turn when strange occurrences begin happening – from a tanker crashing into the shore to power outages and terrifying noises. The family’s secluded getaway turns into a fight for survival as they try to understand what is happening in the outside world.
Unraveling the Narrative
Five Parts, Five Focal Points
The film is split into five parts, each with its own focal point that moves the story forward. Part one is titled “The House,” where we see the Sanford family settling into their vacation home. It’s here that we also meet the owners of the rental property, George and Ruth Scott. They are the first hint at what is to come, as their blackness is something they hide from their predominantly white renters. This becomes evident in part two, titled “The Curve,” where George finds his neighbor’s house trashed and witnesses multiple plane crashes in the same spot on the beach.
The Ominous “Noise” and Strange Events
This leads us to part three – “The Noise.” As mysterious noises and power outages continue to plague the family, they start to realize that something catastrophic has happened. Survivalist Dany believes it to be a microwave attack, similar to what happened to US diplomats in Cuba in 2016. Meanwhile, the Sanford’s son, Archie, falls ill and starts to lose his teeth, adding to the strange and eerie events happening around them.
Trapped in “The Enclosure”
As Clay, the father of the Sanford family, ventures into town to find answers, he encounters a drone dropping off hundreds of red flyers. This brings us to the fourth part of the film – “The Enclosure.” Clay discovers that they are trapped in this area with no way out as their Tesla car on autopilot crashes into one another on the freeway. The situation becomes even more dire as the family receives a radio announcement of a catastrophic environmental disaster that has impacted migration patterns.
The Cryptic Ending
“The Journey” to the Unknown
Now, let’s get to the ending. Part five is titled “The Journey,” and it’s here that we see the Sanford family attempting to leave their rental property and venture into the unknown. However, just as they reach their destination – a secluded beach with no signs of chaos or destruction – the screen goes black. Many viewers are left wondering what happened. Did they make it out? Was it all just a dream?
Interpretations of the Final Scene
The answer is not explicitly stated in the film, leaving it open for interpretation. One possible explanation is that they did make it out and escaped to this peaceful beach. However, it could also be seen as a metaphor for death and the afterlife. The color blue plays a significant role in the film, representing security and familiarity, but as the characters stray further from their known world, the blue fades away.
In this final scene, there is no blue – only black – as if they have left their world behind and entered into a new one. The fact that they are all wearing white could also symbolize purification or rebirth. However, this is just one interpretation among many, and the film allows viewers to come up with their own conclusions.
Conclusion
A Thought-Provoking Film
In conclusion, “Leave the World Behind” is a thought-provoking film that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Its cryptic ending leaves room for interpretation, making it a topic of discussion for viewers. Whether you believe the family made it out or perished in the chaos, one thing is for sure – it’s a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
