Former President Barack Obama has stirred controversy with his involvement in a new Netflix film, “Leave the World Behind,” which has sparked a debate about its portrayal of racial dynamics.
Since leaving office in 2017, Obama, alongside his wife Michelle, has ventured into media production through their company, Higher Ground. Their first project, “American Factory,” won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2019.
Obama’s latest endeavor, “Leave the World Behind,” is an adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s novel, produced in collaboration with director Sam Esmail. The film, which explores the dynamics between two families during a nationwide blackout, was released on Netflix this past Friday.
Obama’s role extended beyond production; he consulted on the script, offering insights to ensure the story’s realism and character depth, as reported by Vanity Fair. Esmail praised Obama’s contributions, noting his enthusiasm as both a former President and a film fan.
However, the film has drawn criticism from some viewers on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), particularly for a scene where a Black couple expresses distrust towards white people in a crisis scenario. Critics, including the account Libs of TikTok, accused the scene of promoting negative stereotypes against white people.
According to USA Today, Conversely, the film has its defenders. Sports journalist Jemele Hill, for example, commended the Obamas for their production role and highlighted the film’s potential to provoke meaningful discussions.
The portrayal of racial trust issues in the film has ignited a wide range of reactions, from accusations of racism to praise for its bold storytelling, reflecting the diverse perspectives on race relations in contemporary media.