Netflix's post-apocalyptic disaster movie, Leave the World Behind, is confusing enough as it is, but it really amps up the mystery with the pamphlet scene. So, what does the pamphlet say and how does it translate from Arabic to English?
A Rough English Translation of the Pamphlet
As the disaster in the movie really starts to unfold, Clay Sandford (played by Ethan Hawke) drives into town to search for help.
On his way over, he hears a siren-like noise, revealed to be a flying drone scattering pamphlets containing a message in Arabic.
When he gets back Clay tries to decipher the writing together with Amanda G.H. and Ruth, but to no avail. When the Sandfords' eldest son, Archie, takes a shot at it, however, he surprises everyone.
Archie is only able to make out the front of the leaflet which reads, "Death to America." But what's on the rest of the little red pamphlets in Leave the World Behind?
What Does the Pamphlet's Message Say?
It is important to take note that the pamphlet's message has yet to be directly addressed by director Sam Esmail, however, here's what Google Translate makes the text:
"Please pay attention immediately to what we say in this post. We have the most dangerous and destructive explosives in history. We leave this horrific fact to you to ponder and stress the validity of what we say. I just want to use this 'h' on your land and steps must be taken to stop the resistance to Muslim inquiries in your cities."
A classic threat message that appears to play on many Americans' post-9/11 Islamophobia and fears of terrorism.
READ MORE: Who is Charlie Evans From Leave the World Behind?
Leave the World Behind Was Meant to be A Satire
More than anything – more than even a disaster flick – Leave the World Behind was meant to be a satire, director Sam Esmail told The Hollywood Reporter.
In the same interview, Esmail explained how he chose to focus on characters and not cataclysms, as the original novel by Rumaan Alam tends to do.
"[In disaster films], disaster elements [are front and center] and the characters tend to be secondary," Esmail added, "[But] because the characters are beautifully drawn and the infighting has this subtext of classism and racism, I realized there was an opportunity to invert that process."
The ending of Leave the World Behind remains quite the headscratcher for viewers as to what the film's intended message really is.
The most that Esmail could offer watchers is that "[The film] is a cautionary tale. 'As dark as it could get, as bleak as it can get, we can always strive to find some hope.' And maybe a DVD box set."
Meanwhile, Leave the World Behind is available to stream on Netflix.
READ NEXT: My Life with the Walter Boys: How They Are All Related
For more Netflix and Geek Culture news stories, check out more updates right here on EpicStream!