The Symbolism of the White Lion in Leave the World Behind

The Grounding of the White Lion

One of the most memorable scenes in Leave the World Behind involves a massive tanker running aground on the Long Island beach that the Sandfords are visiting. While the crash is assumed to be related to controlling oil or resources, the true meaning of the ship is far deeper.

The White Lion from Leave the World Behind

The White Lion running aground helps set the stage for the rest of the movie, immediately creating a sense of mystery and pending doom. Once the characters become aware that there is some sort of wide-spread disaster going on, Ethan Hawke's character Clay Sandford attempts to connect the grounding of an oil tanker with an attack on America.

Archie and Rose in the woods in Leave the World Behind

The ship's name hints at a much deeper meaning, as it is a reference to the ship attributed to beginning slavery in America. The English ship, White Lion, brought the first African slaves to Virginia in 1619. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that the United States is under some kind of attack, which opens up discussions about the country's history of mistakes and creating enemies.

Mahershala Ali looking off as G.H. Scott in Netflix's Leave the World Behind. 

The Symbolism of Omens

Symbols, signs, and omens are prevalent in the movie, with characters making direct mention of their significance. The ship's name, derived from an omen, adds another layer of meaning to its historical significance. White lions are considered powerful symbols of strength, courage, and knowledge in dreams, which connects to the theme of omens in the movie.

Ruth Scott (Myha'la) and Amanda Sandford (Julia Roberts) looking terrified and staring at something offscreen in Leave the World Behind

The ending of Leave the World Behind gives legitimacy to each of the omens prevalent in the movie's action. The attack on America that resulted in the grounding of the White Lion leads to the bombing of New York City, emphasizing the significance of the ship's historical and symbolic meaning.

Julia Roberts inspecting Teslas in Leave the World Behind

America's Vulnerability and Historical Significance

The grounding of the White Lion serves as a reminder of America's past wrongdoing, as it was the ship responsible for bringing enslaved Africans to the Virginia Colony in 1619, marking the start of slavery in America. This cleverly establishes the motive behind the attack that dominates the action of Leave the World Behind.

Ethan Hawke as Clay Sandford wearing a Bikini Kill t-shirt and Julia Roberts as Amanda Sandford in Netflix's Leave the World Behind

The historical significance of the ship fits with the movie's theme of omens, sending a powerful message: America needs to heed the omens before it becomes too late. The movie raises discussions about America's history of mistakes, creating enemies, and the impact of racism, highlighting the country's vulnerability in its currently divided state.