A Troubling Trend in A24's Newest Movie
A24's newest movie is repeating a sad trend, following in the footsteps of two of 2023's biggest movies: Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind. These movies contain themes of human perseverance through the use of nuclear warfare, paranoia, and distrust, and it seems that A24's latest release is set to continue this trend.
Mahershala Ali as G.H. looks worried in Leave the World Behind.
Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind are two movies that have a lot more in common with each other than one might assume, and, more importantly, with an upcoming A24 movie. Known for their well-established catalog consisting primarily of slow-burn, independent dramas, A24's newest movie looks to shake things up a bit by changing the subjects typically covered in their filmography while still maintaining their signature aesthetic and sensibilities.
Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Matt Damon as Groves observe something off-screen in Oppenheimer.
With a string of interesting-looking releases coming from A24, one of their latest is connected to Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind in a troubling way.
Myha'la Herrold as Ruth and Mahershala Ali as G.H. in Leave the World Behind.
Exploring Human Distrust & Paranoia in Film
All three movies, including Civil War, explore the damaging effects of distrust and paranoia extensively. A24's Civil War looks to explore the human condition and its relationship with fear, anxiety, and paranoia, while hopefully offering thought-provoking imagery and themes that will inspire its audience to reassess their stake in the state of the world.
Kirsten Dunst as a reporter in a scene from Civil War.
Oppenheimer's storytelling, drama, and suspense ultimately aim to inspire audiences to work toward more rational solutions to their problems rather than violent resolutions. On the other hand, Leave the World Behind is a scathing take on the subject, with hostility and abstract iconography challenging viewers in a cerebral way. With limited plot details available regarding Civil War, its title and trailer suggest that it will challenge viewers to think about the direction society is headed in, similar to how Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind did.
Cillian Murphy with a regretful look in Oppenheimer.
The Impact of Movies Like Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind
Movies like Oppenheimer and Leave the World Behind are meant to inspire people to think critically about their own thoughts, actions, and temperaments in an effort to help society mend broken relationships with one another. Despite their bleak subjects and tone, these films are filled with enough imagery, themes, and dialogue designed to elicit specific thoughts and emotions from viewers, making them some of the most inspirational movies around.
Furthermore, these movies serve the purpose of leaving future generations with something to consider when working tirelessly to provide solutions to their problems. While primarily meant to be engaging forms of entertainment, they can also be effective educational tools regarding matters of race, history, and economics. However, for post-apocalyptic thrillers to successfully convey their themes and messages, they must thrive in making the stakes and consequences as dire as possible.
Robert Downey Jr. as Strauss shakes hands with Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer.
Filmmakers' Exploration of Nuclear War and Distrust
Movies like Oppenheimer, Leave the World Behind, and Civil War are reflective of the times in which they are made, serving as cautionary tales about humanity's destructive power against itself. In a post-pandemic world, these films act as statements about the constant threats of nuclear war and WWIII, inspiring positive change by urging audiences to reassess their views on society and the world.
As art is meant to reflect the times of society, it's clear that these movies are meant to be cautionary tales about humanity's destructive power against itself. The constant threats of nuclear war and WWIII in a post-pandemic world are subjects that these films address, urging audiences to reassess their views on society and the world.
