Netflix has released the first trailer for a new apocalyptic thriller called Leave the World Behind, which was executive produced by former POTUS Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.
The story focuses on a married couple, played by Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke, who decide to book a weekend away in a luxurious Long Island home with their children. Things soon begin to unravel when the owner of the home (Mahershala Ali) shows up in the middle of the night with his daughter (Myha’la Herrold).
They are seeking refuge... but from what? We don't learn exactly what is going on in the world, but it certainly looks like some kind of catastrophic event is taking place, and both families are going to have to put their differences aside if they hope to survive it.
Based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail wrote and directed Leave the World Behind for the Obamas' production company Higher Ground, which has previously produced award-winning documentaries such as American Factory and historical dramas like the upcoming Rustin.
"In the original drafts of the script, I definitely pushed things a lot farther than they were in the film, and President Obama, having the experience he does have, was able to ground me a little bit on how things might unfold in reality," Esmail explained to Vanity Fair.
"I am writing what I think is fiction, for the most part, I'm trying to keep it as true to life as possible, but I'm exaggerating and dramatizing. And to hear an ex-president say you're off by a few details… I thought I was off by a lot! The fact that he said that scared the f--- out of me," he added.
Have a look at the trailer in the player below, and let us know what you think in the comments section.
"A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a mysterious blackout. As the threat grows more imminent, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world."
Kevin Bacon also stars as a conspiracy-obsessed construction worker, in addition to Farrah Mackenzie and Charlie Evans as Roberts and Hawke’s children.
Leave the World Behind will have its world premiere at AFI Fest on October 25, before opening in theaters on November 22, and then debuting on Netflix on December 8.