The Barack and Michelle Obama-produced Netflix film, “Leave The World Behind,” is an apocalyptic thriller replete with Black History easter eggs, Julia Roberts awkwardly dancing, and metaphors used to underscore and warn of society’s overdependence on technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the destruction of the environment, and lastly, the omnipresent issue of race and racism in America. But there are five, little-known, Black History facts you might have missed that will help explain why the movie is one of this year’s most important Black TV/movie moments.
1. Significance of the name ‘Point Comfort’
In “Leave The World Behind,” Amanda Sanders (Roberts) plans a weekend getaway to a beachfront Airbnb for her two children and husband (played by Ethan Hawke). The Airbnb is located in the fictional hamlet of Point Comfort New York. But there is some Black history to unpack in the name that Nicole Hannah-Jones has already done to near-surgical precision with the 1619 Project. Historically, Point Comfort Virginia is identified as the location where in 1619, 20 some odd African captives were brought, initiating the Transatlantic slave trade. This point is driven home more definitively later in the film.
2. The Settlement of Fort Mose in Florida
The route that the Sanders family takes to Point Comfort ends at exit 76, but a fork in the road reveals another direction that leads to Fort Mose Road, and historians will quickly recognize Fort Mose’s significance to African-Americans people. Built in 1738, Fort Mose was a free Black settlement near what is now St. Augustine, Florida. Fort Mose also became an integral part of the reverse Underground Railroad whereby runaway slaves—primarily from Georgia and South Carolina—travelled to Florida to escape slavery and earn their freedom in the state, which was under Spanish rule at the time.
3. Why ‘White Lion’ Is Important
The name “White Lion” is painted on the side of the oil tanker that crashes into the beachhead in “Leave The World Behind.” Blink and you will miss its name written in white letters on the black boat. But, you guessed it, White Lion is also an easter egg in the film giving a nod to more Black History. In 1619, the White Lion slave ship landed at Point Comfort Virginia in 1619 carrying 20-some-odd Africans, thus beginning the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
4. Who Is Artist Barthelemy Toguo?
Upon arrival at the Airbnb the Sanders family is awestruck at the decor and artwork displayed throughout the home owned by GH Scott (Mahershala Ali), a Black and wealthy financial advisor. At the entryway to the Scotts’ home is a Barthelemy Toguo’s painting “Talking to the Moon,” a repetitive set of eyes which stares at all who enter. Togou, is a Cameroonian artist who once had an exhibit called “Craving For Humanity: The World of Barthelemy Toguo.” The exhibit spoke to the upheavals of the world such as famine, wars and abuse of power.
5. That Nod to Aldous Huxley
Finally, as a result of having no cell phone or television signal, GH decides to visit his neighbors, the Huxleys, who he knows own a satellite phone. This scene is seemingly a nod to writer Aldous Huxley who authored “A Brave New World,” a dystopian novel published in 1932 warning that advanced technology could take over and humans could lose humanity. Seemingly prescient advice given the malfunction of electric powered and AI controlled devices in the film. The film can also lead the viewer to multiple conclusions about the cause of the chaos, including humans have lost control to technology.
Although these are but a few easter eggs and clues layered into the movie, there have been several ongoing discussions around social media about how much more there is to the film than what is on screen. All it takes is a little digging into history.
Stay woke.
Source: A Must-Watch: Hidden Black History Facts in ‘Leave The World Behind’
