Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share why they thought the film was more of a prophecy than just a straightforward sci-fi thriller. "The movie 'Leave the World Behind' is definitely a message to what's happening and what's to come. It's very much in line with what we've been saying for years: Stock up on [non] perishables and water," one user posted. Another wrote, "I'm no gone lie. The movie slick spooked me though. Especially since I remember they did that nation wide phone systems alert test a few years ago. Plus the Obama's behind this film too [...] I feel like this film is a take heed moment."
A third commenter agreed, arguing, "The scariest part is that we are living in this movie and not too far off from where it ended up." The perspective that "Leave the World Behind" is more true to life than it is fiction is, to some extent, supported by what Sam Esmail, the writer and director of the film, told Vanity Fair. Esmail revealed that Barack Obama gave him feedback on the script. "I am writing what I think is fiction, for the most part," Esmail recalled. "[...] But I'm exaggerating and dramatizing. And to hear an ex-president say you're off by a few details [...] I thought I was off by a lot! The fact that he said that scared the f*** out of me."
