Julia Roberts' Leave the World Behind character labeled 'The Karen of the Apocalypse'
Julia Roberts' portrayal in the film Leave the World Behind has been playfully labeled as Apocalypse Karen - a role that promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact
Julia Roberts' latest role in the new movie "Leave the World Behind" has earned her the nickname "Apocalypse Karen." In the film, she plays the character Amanda Sandford, a New York City ad executive seeking a break, only to be caught in the midst of chaos when she takes her family to their holiday home.
The official synopsis of Leave the World Behind describes a family vacation on Long Island being disrupted by two strangers delivering news of a blackout. As the threat escalates, both families must make decisions on how to survive the potential crisis, all while coming to terms with their own role in this crumbling world.
While Leave the World Behind has not yet been released on Netflix, scheduled for December 8, some have already labeled Julia Roberts' character as an "Apocalypse Karen."
Julia Roberts’ Leave the World Behind dubbed “Apocalypse Karen”
Julia Roberts’ character in new movie Leave the World Behind has been dubbed by some critics as an “Apocalypse Karen.”
Netflix shares that Amanda Sandford is in dire need of an escape from her hectic real-life and those who fill it. Spontaneously, she reserves a weekend retreat for her family on Long Island, yet their serene vacation is abruptly interrupted when the homeowners unexpectedly show up during a blackout, wanting to take shelter in their home. Despite moments of appearing entitled and narrow-minded, Amanda is a resolute woman who can set aside her obstinacy to safeguard her loved ones.
Director Sam Esmail explained that he immediately recognized Julia as Amanda, stating, "The great thing about casting Julia Roberts is that her likeability factor is never in question. Julia has a remarkable talent for bringing out the humanity in any character, no matter how flawed they might be."
As the reviews and reactions for Leave the World Behind continue to come in, some critics have noted that Julia Roberts portrays Amanda with a more no-nonsense attitude compared to other interpretations.
Julia Roberts delivers her best performance in the apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind, now available on Netflix. A review from Rolling Stone describes her portrayal as full of 'may-I-speak-to-the-manager' mode, making this a must-see movie for fans of the actress. Another user expressed excitement to watch the movie solely because of Julia Roberts.
During an interview with Reuters, Roberts expressed that her role in Leave the World Behind gave her the opportunity to portray different aspects of herself.
"I enjoyed the challenge of playing a character who is naturally distrustful and somewhat difficult - which is not my usual personality - but still making her relatable and likable," she said. "That's something that only Julia can achieve," Esmail added in agreement.
Don't miss Leave the World Behind when it hits Netflix on December 8th. Also, check out our other Netflix hubs:
- Firefly Lane Season 3
- Beef Season 2
- Monster Season 2
- Ginny and Georgia Season 3
- Stranger Things Season 5
- Chicken Run 2
- Florida Man Season 2
- Obsession Season 2
- The Sandman Season 2
- The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3
- Heartstopper Season 3
- Virgin River Season 6
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the labeling of Julia Roberts' character in "Leave the World Behind" as "Apocalypse Karen" both amusing and thought-provoking. The term "Karen" has become a popular meme and stereotype, often used to describe entitled, middle-aged white women who display a sense of privilege and entitlement. Applying this label to a character in an apocalyptic scenario adds a humorous twist, highlighting the absurdity of such behavior in a dire situation.
However, the label also raises questions about the portrayal of women in media and the perpetuation of stereotypes. While it can be entertaining to see characters like "Apocalypse Karen" on screen, it's important to consider the broader implications of these portrayals. Are we reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women, or are we using humor to critique and challenge them? It's crucial to engage in critical thinking and discussions around these representations to ensure that we're not perpetuating harmful narratives.
