Based on a novel by the same name, Leave The World Behind follows the story of a family vacation gone wrong following the onset of the apocalypse with a couple of strangers for company. Will they survive the onslaught? The story here has an interesting premise that does contribute towards a compelling viewing. However, I was particularly letdown by the ending that did seem as abrupt as they get, something that I wish to throw some light on. The screenplay standing at a whopping length of 140 minutes was slightly on the longer side for an apocalypse film. As a result, there were moments of drag in the second hour wherein the writers did lose a little grip on the drama. This is not to say that the screenplay was weak for it did contribute to some tantalizing moments sprinkled with tension at various junctures in the screenplay. But it won’t be wrong of me to say that the screenplay was a mixed bag too!

The drama opens with the introduction of the protagonists who wish to take a family holiday together. There is an unassuming quality in the writing that almost indicates from the very first scene that something is amiss and that something might transpire onscreen. Yet, I liked the ability of the writers to delay the inevitable and almost walk on a tight rope. So amidst the casual conversations that do have a bit of a wacky aftertaste, you suddenly are privy to a strange occurence on the beach that sets the tone for things to follow. There is a bit of urgency that is thrown in spurts and jerks that only complicates things with the introduction of two more characters who are thrown in the mix.

The proceedings have an element of mystery surrounding it wherein the cause of the events coupled by the character motivations are still in the dark. What did seem like a stray event of the cable being pulled out in the vicinity, did eventually translate into something quite bigger and challenging, particularly in terms of survival. The searing commentary on a potential cyberattack contributing to environmental instability did add an interesting angle to the proceedings. There are some exciting set-pieces designed to keep you on tenterhooks that make for a compelling viewing. But it is the second hour that leaves you puzzled and dissatisfied.

There is a good period in the second hour where you would find yourself being a little distracted with the turn of events, with multiple characters bonding with each other amidst the apocalypse. The issue wasn’t with the bonding but lay in the conversations, part of which could easily have been shortened for a much impactful watch. The writers though find their groove in bits and parts with a little tension building here and there leading up to a bit of a face-off with another character. Yet, the bizarre ending did leave a lot to be desired, particularly with it being open for interpretation.

Of what I understood, the character of Rose did get her wish of watching the friends Finale which is a landmark in many ways(even as others around her could be of no real help to her in achieving her goals). The opening lines of the song of ‘No One Told You Life Was Going To Be This Way’ did play on as New York city was under attack. And while this song did sit well with the situation at hand, it didn’t quite conclude the various conspiracy theories that were floating around to that point. Had there been a little more hint/structure to the proceedings, the overall impact of the film would have been better. But unfortunately, it did seem that the writers weren’t sure on how to put an end to the proceedings or what they stood for, and as a result the ending was unusual and abrupt. Overall, the screenplay is decent but falls well short of greatness!