By Charles Nwoke
Director Sam Esmail, renowned for his work on TV shows like “Mr. Robot” and “Homecoming,” recently shared an intriguing anecdote about former President Barack Obama’s involvement in shaping his upcoming Netflix film, “Leave the World Behind.” This adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel promises to be a gripping disaster thriller.
Esmail revealed that he received script notes from the former world leader himself, Barack Obama, during the film’s development. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Esmail described how the former president’s input left a profound impact on him.
According to Esmail, Obama didn’t hold back with his feedback. He recalled, “He had a lot of notes.” Obama’s unique perspective, informed by his real-world experiences, played a crucial role in refining the film’s script.
The film’s plot revolves around a couple, portrayed by Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke, whose vacation takes a nightmarish turn when a world-ending disaster looms. Adding complexity to the story, Mahershala Ali’s character, the landlord of their rented house, seeks refuge with his daughter.
One remarkable aspect of this project is that it’s the first fictional film produced by the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground Productions. Given Obama’s deep involvement in bringing this story to life, it’s evident that he wanted it to be as authentic as possible.
Esmail admitted, “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.”
The director was not only taken aback by Obama’s meticulous attention to detail but also by his insights into human nature. Obama provided valuable notes on character development and the audience’s emotional connection to the story.
Esmail expressed his surprise, saying, “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.”
Furthermore, it’s clear that Obama’s engagement wasn’t just about his background; he genuinely cared about the narrative and characters. Esmail mentioned that the former president’s notes came from his perspective as a fan of the book, adding depth to the cinematic adaptation.
Intriguingly, Obama’s involvement in “Leave the World Behind” serves as a testament to his passion for storytelling and his desire to contribute to meaningful cinematic experiences. With the film set to premiere on Netflix in December, viewers can look forward to a disaster movie that has been shaped not only by Hollywood talent but also by the unique insights of an ex-president who is evidently a “big movie lover.”