connelly-shawn

Please ignore the terrible reviews. This movie is very different than the typical "leave your brain at home" formulaic Hollywood movie. Ironically, many of the negative reviews are written by the people who seem to hate Hollywood and their typical movies. LOL

If you prefer movies that neatly resolve their conflicts, where the protagonist triumphantly saves the day or is saved, this film might not be to your taste. It eschews clear-cut resolutions and instead holds up a mirror to the complexities of the human condition. This isn't a film where the antagonist is distinctly foreign or citizens uniformly rally against a common foe. Nor does it sidestep pressing AND very real societal issues for mere entertainment.

If your preference leans towards traditional, formulaic Hollywood narratives that you love to critique yet consume, then this movie isn't for you.

So, who should watch this movie? It's tailored for viewers who appreciate a film that sparks deep thought and ongoing dialogue. 'Leave the World Behind' explores themes of latent racism, hypocrisy, the potential for societal breakdown, selfishness, the fragility of democracy, and the terrifying ease with which a nation could be destabilized. In reality, and just like it is explained in this movie, these issues are truly grave concerns at the highest echelons of society, inviting viewers to reflect on them long after the credits roll.

Full disclosure: I was initially disappointed by the conclusion of 'Leave the World Behind'. However, my appreciation for it developed into an oddly slow burn. Over the next 24 hours, I found myself continually reflecting on the film, not with negativity, but pondering the realistic possibility of the scenarios presented and questioning whether it accurately captured our true nature. This, to me, is the hallmark of a compelling story...it captures your imagination and keeps you thinking about it long afterward.

While some reviewers focused on specific elements, like the boy's health issues or the references to the TV series Friends, they seem to miss the broader point of the narrative. I was slightly irked by the mention of Havana syndrome, which has been proven to be psychosomatic, yet I came to realize this perspective was intentionally portrayed through the lens of a willfully ignorant survivalist. This realization added another layer to my evolving view of the film's thematic depth.

I highly recommend this story!

I'm awarding this movie with a 6, but only because of the young actors who did a fantastic job with what they were given. I found it odd that their acting skills were good to very good by any standard, yet the adult actors seemed like it was their first time... perhaps they are not real actors?

Also, I love the pro-Inuk themes. Well done! There isn't nearly enough Indigenous-themed movies from Canada showcasing the rich indigenous cultures. I even applauded the jacket with the "controversial" message (kudos) to a small % of people.

But... here it is (sorry). It was a difficult movie to watch and I blame the director and writer(s). The pinnacle of painful, unrealistic acting and dialog came during the scene where the kids are trapped and they call on the police. Everything about this scene was especially hard to watch and unfortunately, at this point I FF through the remainder of the movie.

It could have been so much better. :(

I wish I could have been a consultant for this movie, and could have helped improve the dialog.

This story focuses on the potential human consequences if time travel were possible.

I was going to skip this story because of the negative reviews, but I am happy that I choose to watch this brilliantly crafted story.

I appreciated that the characters in this story reacted normally, and their decisions made sense. When characters act in a similar manner as IRL, I feel that the story becomes more immersive. This story certainly achieves the goal of making you care for the characters.

My only complaint about "I'll Follow You Down" is that the pace seems too fast and it ends too quickly.

There is some foreshadowing of how the story will end, but it's still a sudden and shocking ending.

Well worth the 90 minutes.