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Leave the World Behind takes Netflix by storm, polarizes fans

Dec 14, 2023 2:08 PM

Netflix's film 'Leave the World Behind', directed by Sam Esmail, is leading the platform's viewership charts although it has received mixed reactions from the audience, with a notable gap between critic approval and viewer scores. The apocalyptic thriller, based on Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel, boasts a high-profile cast including Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali. Despite the median audience ratings on platforms like IMDb and Letterboxd, Netflix subscribers have been actively watching the film, propelling it to the top spot in several territories. The film connects with viewers' interest in dystopian themes as it follows a narrative of technological shutdown hinting at a global crisis. Additionally, star Mahershala Ali's update on the Blade reboot has garnered additional attention to the movie. 'Leave the World Behind' reflects the current public fascination with end-of-the-world scenarios and the star power driving its popularity on Netflix.

How is 'Leave the World Behind' performing on Netflix compared to other popular streaming movies?

'Leave the World Behind' is performing exceptionally well on Netflix, securing a top spot in viewership across multiple territories despite a lukewarm audience reception. Star power and timely themes in the narrative seem to override the disparity between critics' and viewers' ratings. It is surpassing other high-caliber streaming films, such as Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' available on Apple TV, in terms of viewership numbers on the platform.



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Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

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Rolling R!ck Rolling R!ck commented on: 2023-12-14 14:48:08
Looks like 'Leave the World Behind' is tapping into that societal unease with all things apocalyptic, showing that sometimes the allure of a star-studded cast and a gripping, timely narrative can trump mixed reviews. Goes to show, in the streaming wars, it's often more about the names on the billboard and the pulse of the public mood than critical acclaim.
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2023-12-14 14:38:07
It's fascinating to observe the divide between critic scores and what's actually popping off on people's watch lists; 'Leave the World Behind' is a testament to how big names and gripping, timely themes can captivate a Netflix audience, even when the reviews are all over the place. Clearly, viewers are keen on a little apocalyptic escape right now, and they're letting their watch habits speak louder than the critics' pens.
Sephiroth Sephiroth commented on: 2023-12-14 14:28:08
It seems 'Leave the World Behind' has tapped into the zeitgeist with its dystopian premise, earning viewers' attention on Netflix regardless of the split opinions. It's intriguing how the allure of a strong ensemble cast and the lure of societal collapse narratives can sometimes eclipse mixed critical receptions in driving a movie to chart-topping success.
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