The Hidden Symbolism of Deer: Decoding their Meaning
Unravel the enigmatic symbolism of deer in the captivating Netflix film, Leave the World Behind Discover the profound meaning behind their presence as we dive deep into the hidden messages within this thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece
Discover the mysterious hidden messages in the new Netflix movie Leave the World Behind and unravel the significance of the deer. Get all the details on the enigmatic apocalyptic drama featuring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke.
The film's summary states, "A family's getaway on Long Island is disrupted by two unfamiliar individuals bringing news of a power outage. As the danger escalates, both families are forced to determine the best way to survive the looming crisis, all while coming to terms with their own roles in this crumbling world."
As the high-profile cast delves into the unfolding events, one question lingers – what is the significance of the deer in Leave the World Behind? Here's what we can piece together. 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.
Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) observes a growing number of deer gathering around the house in both the Netflix film and the original novel, Leave the World Behind. The movie explains that this is related to an environmental catastrophe caused by the widespread loss of communication signals across the country. Clay’s (Ethan Hawke) car radio reports that the disaster, concentrated in the southern regions, is disrupting animal migration patterns, particularly affecting deer and other birds such as flamingos. However, the focus in Leave the World Behind remains primarily on the significant presence of deer.
Upon arriving at their holiday house, the Sandford family is greeted by the sight of a mother deer and her baby in the garden, leaving Amanda (played by Julia Roberts) awestruck. Later, Rose notices a flock of deer after a power outage, suggesting to her brother Archie (played by Charlie Evans) that the animals might be trying to convey a message to the family. As the movie progresses, the number of deer continues to grow, eventually surrounding Amanda and Ruth Scott (played by Myha’la) in the woods behind the house.
Based on an interpretation of the original novel "Leave the World Behind" by Rumaan Alam, published in 2020, the deer are seen as symbolic of a rapidly changing world. They may represent the idea that humans cannot control every aspect of their lives, leading to the arrival of flamingos in the family pool symbolizing the end of rationality itself.
A Reddit user commented, "The deer were explained - they were migrating due to an impending disaster. They sensed it, whatever 'it' was, as animals often do before an earthquake, etc."
The novel places more emphasis on the deer than the movie version of Leave the World Behind, and some X/Twitter users also feel that the deer seem "somehow foreboding."
Don't miss Leave the World Behind on Netflix starting December 8. Check out our other Netflix hubs for updates on 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, and Virgin River Season 6.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of the movie "Leave the World Behind," I am intrigued by the hidden symbolism of the deer throughout the film. The deer's presence adds a layer of mystery and depth to the story, leaving viewers to ponder their significance. The interpretation that the deer represent a rapidly changing world, beyond human control, resonates with me. It highlights the fragility of our existence and the unpredictability of life. The movie effectively conveys this message through the increasing number of deer and their eventual surrounding of the characters, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty.
Furthermore, the deer's behavior, such as gathering around the house and appearing after the power outage, suggests that they may be trying to communicate a warning or convey a message to the characters. This adds an element of supernatural or mystical undertones to the film, making it even more captivating. The fact that the movie leaves the symbolism of the deer unexplained allows for individual interpretation, encouraging viewers to engage with the film on a deeper level. Overall, the hidden symbolism of the deer in "Leave the World Behind" enhances the film's narrative and adds a thought-provoking dimension to the story.
