Netflix’s Leave the World Behind turned to Obama for advice on destabilising a country

In Netflix's gripping thriller Leave the World Behind, the former-US president Barack Obama's influence is palpable, transcending mere executive production responsibilities. Who better to provide notes on a fictional crisis than the man who navigated real-world crises with such finesse?

The film, an adaptation of Rumaan Alam's acclaimed novel, intricately weaves apocalyptic tension and realism. The star-studded cast, including Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, Mahershala Ali, and Kevin Bacon, brings to life the complex narrative that revolves around two families entangled in the chaos of a nationwide blackout.

Obama's involvement

Obama's involvement through his production company, Higher Ground, is more than a mere endorsement. The former president, along with Michelle Obama, played pivotal roles, with Obama himself providing invaluable and detailed notes on the script. Director Sam Esmail sought Obama's perspective to ground the story in reality, resulting in a narrative that balances fiction with real-world plausibility.

The Obama's commitment to the project allowed the film to delve into themes of race relations and class tensions. By infusing their perspectives into the production, the Obamas elevated Leave the World Behind beyond a mere thriller, transforming it into a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of human relationships during times of crisis at the very least.

Obama's notes on political crisis

However, Esmail's reliance on Obama's insights, particularly in shaping the script, demonstrates the former president's ‘keen’ understanding of crisis dynamics. 

As the film unfolds, the characters grapple with a rapidly deteriorating situation, unaware that a political coup d'état is underway. This narrative twist, shaped with the help of Obama's notes, sought to mirror contemporary concerns about the fragility of political systems and the potential for power struggles to escalate into widespread chaos.

Who wouldn't turn to Barack Obama for expert insights on destabilising states? Nothing says geopolitical mastery like being the commander-in-chief during a period of unprecedented American interference in the Middle East, clearly.

Let's not forget the shining examples of state stability during Obama's reign, like the flourishing democracies of Libya and Syria post-Arab Spring. The meticulous precision with which he handled the fallout of the financial crisis truly showcases his unparalleled understanding of economic factors and their impact on political stability. 

And let's not downplay his expertise in counter-terrorism. The drone strikes and covert operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan were a masterclass in maintaining stability, weren't they? 

Now, non-state actors like ISIS? Clearly, Obama's administration had a flawless strategy in place to address those emerging threats, leading to a harmonious and stable Middle East. Because nothing screams cinematic excellence like seeking advice from a POTUS-turned-movie-buff. 

Guess we probably have a confirmed entry on the former-president’s awaited year-end list, in all likelihood.