'Leave The World Behind': Release date, plot and all you need to know about Netflix drama starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington
Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington are reuniting for the first time since their 1993 hit 'The Pelican Brief' for Netflix's adaptation of Rumaan Alam's upcoming novel 'Leave The World Behind'. Following a bidding war between Netflix, Apple, and MGM, Netflix emerged victorious for the rights of the book, with sources saying (according to reports) that the winning bid is in the range of Apple’s deal for 'Emancipation', which was over $100 million.
The stars have wanted to work together for a while now and it looks like Netflix has presented the A-listers with just the right opportunity. Based on Alam's novel of the same name, which is not out yet, it had piqued the interest of Roberts first, who had sent the book to Washington. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming thriller:
Release date
The official release date for 'Leave the World Behind' has not been announced yet. We will update this article when we have more details.
Plot
According to the official synopsis of the thriller, "Amanda and Clay’s aspirational vacation with their teenage children is interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged couple who own the holiday home and who have fled an unprecedented blackout in the city. When the internet, television, and radio stop working, as does the landline, they have no way of finding out what is happening."
"As strange sonic booms shatter the peace of the countryside, and animals start to migrate in strange ways, the physical and mental health of the families begins to disintegrate. The renters are upscale and White, the owners are upscale and Black. The issues of race and class become distractions to the more alarming things happening all around them."
Cast
Julia Roberts
Roberts is set to play the mother of the family that rents the house, according to reports. The actress requires no introduction and is known for her 'Pretty Woman' role, which garnered her worldwide recognition. She has won three Golden Globe Awards, from eight nominations, and has been nominated for four Academy Awards for her film acting, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Erin Brockovich.
Her most notable works include 'My Best Friend's Wedding', 'Runaway Bride', 'Money Monster', 'Eat Pray Love', 'Charlie Wilson's War' and 'Notting Hill' among others. Roberts was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance in the HBO television film 'The Normal Heart'.
Denzel Washington
He plays the homeowner. Washington is a cultural icon and recognized across the globe having won accolades such as two Golden Globe Awards, one Tony Award, and two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film 'Glory'. He also won the Best Actor for his role as corrupt detective Alonzo Harris in 'Training Day'. His notable works include 'Cry Freedom', 'The Great Debaters', 'American Gangster', 'Antwone Fisher' and 'Fences'.
Creators
The 'Leave the World Behind' adaptation will be written and directed by Sam Esmail, best known for creating, writing and directing 'Mr Robot'. He has also earlier worked with Roberts on Season 1 of 'Homecoming'.
Deadline reports that Roberts is producing through her Red Om Films banner, Denzel Washington is producing and so are Sam Esmail and Chad Hamilton through Esmail Corp. "Alam will be executive producer and Red Om's Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill will also be involved in a producorial capacity".
Where to watch
'Leave the World Behind' will be coming to Netflix soon.
If you like this, you will love these:
'The Pelican Brief'
'Glory'
'Homecoming'
'The Firm'
'Conspiracy Theory'