
The 2023 psychological thriller Leave the World Behind, directed by Sam Esmail and based on Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name, has captivated audiences with its eerie atmosphere and thought-provoking narrative. But beyond its gripping storyline, the film’s setting plays a crucial role in immersing viewers into its unsettling world. So, where was Leave the World Behind filmed? And why does its location feel like a dream you can’t quite place, as if it exists somewhere between reality and fiction?
The Primary Filming Locations: Long Island and New York City
The movie was primarily filmed in Long Island, New York, and parts of New York City. These locations were chosen for their ability to evoke a sense of isolation and unease, despite being in close proximity to one of the most bustling cities in the world. The contrast between the serene, suburban landscapes of Long Island and the chaotic energy of New York City adds layers of tension to the film.
Long Island: A Suburban Nightmare
Long Island serves as the primary backdrop for the film, with its sprawling estates, dense forests, and quiet neighborhoods. The production team utilized several locations in the area, including private homes and public spaces, to create the illusion of a secluded retreat that quickly turns into a prison of uncertainty. The choice of Long Island is particularly fitting, as it embodies the American dream of suburban living—a dream that the film systematically dismantles.
The film’s central location, the luxurious vacation home where the characters find themselves stranded, was filmed at a private estate in the Hamptons. This location was chosen for its opulence and isolation, perfectly encapsulating the characters’ initial sense of security and their subsequent descent into paranoia.
New York City: The Unseen Threat
While much of the film takes place in Long Island, New York City looms in the background as an unseen threat. The city’s skyline is occasionally visible in the distance, a reminder of the world the characters have left behind—or perhaps, the world that has left them behind. Scenes set in the city were filmed in various iconic locations, including Times Square and Central Park, though these moments are fleeting and serve more as a contrast to the isolation of Long Island.
The Role of the Setting in the Film’s Themes
The choice of filming locations is not merely aesthetic; it is deeply tied to the film’s themes of isolation, privilege, and the fragility of modern society. Long Island, with its affluent neighborhoods and manicured lawns, represents the pinnacle of American success. Yet, as the film progresses, this idyllic setting becomes a prison, highlighting the characters’ vulnerability and the illusion of safety that wealth and privilege provide.
New York City, on the other hand, represents the chaos and unpredictability of the outside world. Its presence in the film is both comforting and menacing, a reminder of the interconnectedness of modern life and the ease with which it can be disrupted.
The Dreamlike Quality of the Locations
One of the most striking aspects of Leave the World Behind is its dreamlike quality, which is amplified by the choice of filming locations. The Long Island estate, with its pristine interiors and expansive grounds, feels almost too perfect, like a setting from a dream. This perfection is gradually eroded as the film progresses, mirroring the characters’ growing sense of unease.
Similarly, the glimpses of New York City are fleeting and surreal, as if they belong to another world. This dreamlike quality is further enhanced by the film’s cinematography, which often blurs the line between reality and illusion.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Filming
It’s worth noting that Leave the World Behind was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which undoubtedly influenced the production process. The sense of isolation and uncertainty that permeates the film may have been heightened by the real-world circumstances under which it was made. The pandemic also likely affected the choice of locations, with the production team opting for more controlled, secluded environments to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.
Conclusion: A Setting That Haunts
In the end, the filming locations of Leave the World Behind are as much a character in the film as the people who inhabit them. Long Island and New York City serve as dual symbols of the American dream and its potential for collapse, creating a setting that is both familiar and unsettling. The dreamlike quality of these locations lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a sense of unease that is hard to shake.
Related Questions
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Why was Long Island chosen as the primary filming location for Leave the World Behind?
Long Island was chosen for its ability to represent the American dream of suburban living, which the film deconstructs. Its isolation and opulence make it the perfect setting for a story about privilege and vulnerability. -
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the filming of Leave the World Behind?
The pandemic likely influenced the choice of locations, with the production team opting for more controlled, secluded environments. It also added a layer of real-world uncertainty that may have heightened the film’s themes. -
What role does New York City play in the film?
New York City serves as an unseen threat and a reminder of the outside world. Its fleeting appearances contrast with the isolation of Long Island, emphasizing the characters’ disconnection from society. -
How does the film’s setting contribute to its dreamlike quality?
The pristine, almost too-perfect setting of the Long Island estate, combined with the surreal glimpses of New York City, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and illusion.