“Leave the World Behind,” a novel by Rumaan Alam, is set to become a film starring Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali. This tense, thought-provoking thriller delves into themes of societal collapse, human nature, and survival. For those intrigued by its premise, here are some movies with similar themes and tones that you might enjoy.
1. The Road (2009)
Based on Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Road” is a haunting tale of a father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world. The film explores the lengths to which people will go to survive and the bond between parent and child amidst desolation. The bleak atmosphere and focus on human relationships mirror the tension and character dynamics found in “Leave the World Behind.”
2. A Quiet Place (2018)
Directed by John Krasinski, “A Quiet Place” presents a world where making noise can be fatal. The film follows a family trying to survive in silence while avoiding mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. The themes of familial bonds, survival, and the breakdown of society echo the essence of “Leave the World Behind.”
3. It Comes at Night (2017)
Trey Edward Shults’ “It Comes at Night” is a psychological horror film that delves into fear and paranoia in a post-apocalyptic setting. A family, secluded in a remote house, faces an external threat while grappling with trust issues when another family seeks refuge. The film’s intense atmosphere and exploration of human nature in crisis situations make it a fitting companion to “Leave the World Behind.”
4. Bird Box (2018)
“Bird Box,” directed by Susanne Bier and based on the novel by Josh Malerman, follows a woman and her children navigating a world where unseen entities cause mass suicides. The film’s focus on survival, the unknown threat, and the strong maternal figure draws parallels to the themes in “Leave the World Behind.”
5. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
Dan Trachtenberg’s “10 Cloverfield Lane” is a thriller that traps its characters in an underground bunker. A woman, held captive by a man who claims the outside world is uninhabitable, must figure out if he’s telling the truth. The film’s claustrophobic setting, psychological tension, and themes of trust and survival resonate with the atmosphere of “Leave the World Behind.”
6. Children of Men (2006)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Children of Men” imagines a dystopian future where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. The film follows a disillusioned man tasked with protecting a miraculously pregnant woman. Its exploration of societal collapse, the struggle for survival, and the glimmers of hope amidst despair align with the themes of “Leave the World Behind.”
7. The Mist (2007)
Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, “The Mist,” centers on a group of people trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious mist containing deadly creatures. The film delves into human behavior under duress, the breakdown of societal norms, and the fight for survival, making it a thematic cousin to “Leave the World Behind.”
8. Contagion (2011)
Steven Soderbergh’s “Contagion” offers a realistic depiction of a global pandemic and its impact on society. The film follows multiple storylines, showcasing the breakdown of social order, human resilience, and the scientific efforts to combat the virus. Its focus on a widespread crisis and human responses aligns well with the existential themes in “Leave the World Behind.”
Conclusion
If “Leave the World Behind” intrigued you with its tense atmosphere and exploration of human nature in crisis, these films offer similar themes and tones. From post-apocalyptic landscapes to psychological thrillers, these movies delve into survival, societal collapse, and the complexities of human relationships under extreme circumstances. Whether you’re drawn to the suspense, the human drama, or the speculative scenarios, these films will keep you captivated and contemplative.
