Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali in Leave the World Behind (2023)

‘Leave the World Behind’ Viewers Take to Twitter in Response to the Netflix Original’s Ending

Josh Lezmi
By Josh Lezmi
Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali in Leave the World Behind (2023) | IMDb
Josh Lezmi
By Josh Lezmi
Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali in Leave the World Behind (2023) | IMDb

The ending to Leave the World Behind has divided viewers. Perfect or perfunctory?

Netflix’s Leave the World Behind, based on the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, is an apocalyptic sci-fi spook that takes a more myopic approach than many genre predecessors. Rather than featuring major metropolitan chaos, the film is set outside New York, where a family has gone to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Yet, their plans for a relaxing getaway are cut short when the homeowners they are renting from show up with news of a blackout. What appears to be a widespread cyber attack turns out to be something much more nefarious, as both families are left wondering how to survive the threat and where they fit in this ever-divisive society. 

Spoiler Warning for ‘Leave the World Behind’ 

Throughout Leave the World Behind — amid all the surging chaos, crashing planes, and creepy hordes of deer — preadolescent Rosie (Farrah Mackenzie) remains deeply concerned that she will never get to witness the Friends finale. She came so close to seeing what happens between Ross and Rachel, but then she lost internet access. She remains utterly fixated on this narrative; she is dependent on these characters as if they were relatives. 

At the end of the movie, Rosie discovers an opulent home with an empty basement bunker with food, supplies, and, to her delight, a DVD player and the Friends DVD bundle. She puts the DVD in, the Friends theme song comes blasting from the television, perfectly juxtaposing the somber moment, and the credits roll. Speaking about the film’s ending, Alam told Variety: 

“I say it’s funny, but I don’t think it’s a joke. I don’t think it’s a joke on Rose. I don’t think it’s a joke on the audience. I don’t think it’s a joke on “Friends.” It’s a reminder that art is kind of a salve. The theatrical experience of watching this movie is so powerful because I’ve had the chance to see audiences respond to the ending three times now, and nobody really knows what to make of it. They’re like, is this funny? Is this scary? Is it really over? And I love that so much.”

While the ending may be in line with the author’s intent, creating a sort of hands-in-the-air response, it is not exactly satisfying. Many viewers have taken to Twitter to address the inconclusive atmosphere that lingers over the final moments. While some feel it packs a strong punch, others feel cheated out of resolution. 

Not Okay!

Rosie’s living her best life

Maybe we should take notes…

Physical media should never go out of style

It feels all too tangible 

Is ‘Leave the World Behind’ receiving too much praise? 

Leave the World Behind is streaming on Netflix.

Josh is an entertainment writer and editor at Thought Catalog.