"Leave the World Behind": A Thrilling Journey Through New York's Cinematic Landscapes

"Leave the World Behind" a gripping Netflix sci-fi psychological thriller released in 2023, primarily unfolds in a single location - a modern 5000 square-foot farmhouse in Old Westbury, New York. Designed by Up Studio, this luxurious dwelling, known as "Open Corner," serves as the Sanford family's vacation home, perfectly embodying the eerie atmosphere of the film. Its open design and exposure to daylight complement the thriller's aesthetics. Most of the principal photography took place here, offering a haunting setting for the events of Rumaan Alam's eponymous 2020 novel, adapted for the big screen.

The film also ventures into the dense woodlands of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) State Park in Yorktown Heights for its forest scenes, adding a chilling dimension to the narrative. Additional filming occurred in Katonah, New York, with the specific scenes remaining undisclosed, yet seamlessly fitting the film's tone.

Starring Julia Roberts as Amanda Sanford, Mahershala Ali as G.H. Scott, Ethan Hawke as Clay Sanford, Mihala as Ruth Scott, Farra Mackenzie as Rose Sanford, Charlie Evans as Archie Sanford, and Kevin Bacon as Danny, the cast and crew filmed in April and May 2022. The story revolves around the Sanfords renting a home for a weekend getaway, which is disrupted when the owners, the Scotts, arrive following a citywide blackout.

The film, directed by Sam Esmail, showcases a star-studded ensemble navigating the tensions of an apocalyptic scenario, with Netflix's budget and resources elevating the novel's scope. "Leave the World Behind" has become a testament to the power of location in storytelling, with its New York settings providing an ideal backdrop for this thrilling tale.