"Discover the mysterious hidden messages in the new Netflix movie Leave the World Behind and unravel the significance of the deer. Find out everything you need to know about this apocalyptic drama starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke."
The film's synopsis describes a family vacation on Long Island interrupted by two strangers bringing news of a blackout. Both families must decide how to survive as the threat grows, while also dealing with their own place in this collapsing world.
As the star-studded cast seeks answers, one lingering question remains - what do the deer in Leave the World Behind signify? Here's what we know. Warning: spoilers ahead!
What do the deer mean in Leave the World Behind?
In the Netflix movie Leave the World Behind, the inclusion of the deer is ultimately left unexplained.
In both the Netflix movie and the original novel, Leave the World Behind, Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) becomes increasingly aware of a growing number of deer congregating around the house.
Viewers of the movie learn that this is due to an environmental catastrophe caused by the loss of communication signals across the country. A radio report in Clay's (Ethan Hawke) car explains that the disaster, mainly affecting the southern regions, is disrupting animal migration patterns. This includes birds such as flamingos, but the focus remains on the motif of deer throughout Leave the World Behind.
Upon arrival at their holiday house, Amanda (Julia Roberts) is amazed to see a mother deer with her baby in the garden. Later, Rose notices a flock of deer after the power goes out, suggesting to her brother Archie (Charlie Evans) that they are trying to convey a message to the family. The number of deer continues to increase throughout the movie, eventually surrounding Amanda and Ruth Scott (Myha’la) in the woods behind the house.
According to an interpretation of the original novel "Leave the World Behind," written by Rumaan Alam in 2020, the deer symbolize a rapidly changing world. They may represent the idea that humans cannot control everything that happens to them, with the arrival of flamingos in the family pool signaling the end of the rational world.
A Reddit user commented, "The deer's migration was explained as a reaction to an impending disaster. They sensed it, as animals often do before an earthquake." While the novel places more emphasis on the deer than the movie version of Leave the World Behind, some X/Twitter users also find the deer to be "somehow foreboding."
Don't miss Leave the World Behind on Netflix starting December 8. See what else Netflix has to offer:
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the symbolic role of deer in the Netflix film "Leave the World Behind" intriguing and thought-provoking. The movie presents the deer as mysterious creatures whose presence seems to be connected to the unfolding apocalyptic events. The interpretation that the deer symbolize a rapidly changing world, beyond human control, resonates with me. In our current era of uncertainty and global challenges, the film's depiction of the deer as harbingers of change feels particularly relevant. It prompts us to reflect on our own place in a world that is constantly evolving and often unpredictable.
Furthermore, the movie's exploration of the deer's behavior, such as their migration patterns and their seeming attempts to communicate with the characters, adds an element of mystery and wonder to the narrative. It invites viewers to engage in their own interpretations and discussions about the deeper meanings behind these enigmatic creatures. As a Gen Z netizen, I appreciate the film's open-ended approach to symbolism, which encourages critical thinking and imaginative engagement with the story. Overall, the symbolic role of deer in "Leave the World Behind" adds a layer of complexity and depth to the film, making it a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.
