Photo:Jojo Whilden/NETFLIX
Jojo Whilden/NETFLIX
One evening early on in their trip, the house’s owners, G.H. and Ruth, show up with news of a sudden blackout in New York City, and ask to stay in the house, where they feel they will be safer. The two couples are put to the ultimate test of truth in the face of an unknown, steadily growing crisis.Thenovel’s movie adaptation, which is now streaming on Netflix, and starsEthan Hawkeas Clay,Julia Robertsas Amanda,Mahershala Alias G.H. andMyha’la Herroldas Ruth, is subtly thrilling, just like its original source material.“It hit on this interesting notion that in the moment of crisis, how easily we can forget our common humanity,” director Sam Esmailtold PEOPLE. “At the time, that was very relevant because it was during the pandemic. But it’s as relevant today with everything going on in the world. I think that was really important for us.“The movie, however, does include some changes from the book. Read on to see how the novel and Netflix film differ.Warning: Spoilers forLeave the World Behind
A ship nearly crashes onto the beach that Clay and Amanda are visiting
JoJo Whilden/NETFLIX
In an early movie scene, Clay and Amanda’s family are spending time on the beach when a large oil steamer calledWhite Lionsuddenly barrels toward them from the water. It stops right before hitting anyone. After the beach is evacuated, Clay asks a police officer what happened. The officers replies that there have been similar groundings due to an issue with the ships’ navigation systems.The novel plays out much more quietly, with Clay and Amanda’s family enjoying a peaceful outing on the beach, with larger hints of disaster not coming until later.
Ruth is G.H.’s daughter instead of his wife
Courtesy NETFLIX
When the pair first arrives at the house in the movie, Ruth says that she is G.H.’s daughter. She later tells Amanda that she’s still figuring out what she wants to do with her professional life. Ruth’s mother is Maya, who is an art dealer currently on a work trip in Morocco. Maya is feared dead throughout the film.In the novel, Ruth is G.H’s wife. The couple have a daughter, Maya, who is a teacher at a Montessori school, living with her wife and two sons. Ruth spends a large portion of the book worrying about her daughter and her family, and what is happening to them.
G.H. discovers a plane crash on the beach
Clay and Amanda try and leave the house much earlier
G.H. and Clay’s interaction with Danny is more intense
Friendsis an important thread throughout the film
A new thread in the movie revolves around Rose, who is watchingFriendson her tablet during the vacation. When the internet connection goes out before she finishes the final episode, she is distraught. In a later conversation with Archie, Rose reveals that the show is so important to her because the characters make her happy, and they give her a sense of hope.
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source: people.com
