Netflix’s hit movie ‘Leave the World Behind’ has a scene that shows dozens of Teslas crashing into each other on a highway, apparently hacked by some unknown force. But how plausible is this scenario, and what does it say about our reliance on technology?

The scene

The scene occurs around the one-hour mark of the movie, when the Sandford family decides to leave their vacation home in the countryside after witnessing some strange and disturbing events. As they drive on the highway, they encounter a pile-up of white Tesla Model 3s, all brand new and empty.

Amanda Sandford, played by Julia Roberts, gets out of the car and notices that the Teslas have a sticker that says “Full Self-Driving Safety Features” and “Navigate on Autopilot: automatic driving”. She then realizes that the Teslas are being remotely controlled and are crashing into each other on purpose. She barely escapes from being hit by another incoming Tesla, and drives away with her family.

The reality

The scene is based on the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, who said he was inspired by the idea of “a car that can drive itself, but also a car that can be hacked” ¹. He also said he wanted to explore the theme of “technology as a double-edged sword” ².

But how realistic is the possibility of hackers taking over Teslas and causing mayhem on the road? According to some experts, it is not impossible, but it is very unlikely. Tesla’s self-driving system, which is still in beta testing, relies on a combination of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and software to navigate the road and avoid obstacles. The system also requires constant human supervision and intervention, and cannot handle complex situations such as traffic lights, roundabouts, or bad weather ³.

Tesla claims that its cars are designed with multiple layers of security and encryption to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. The company also says that it monitors its vehicles for any suspicious activity and can remotely disable features or shut down the car if needed ⁴. However, Tesla has also faced some security breaches and vulnerabilities in the past, such as hackers unlocking and starting a Model X with a Bluetooth device , or researchers remotely controlling a Model S’s brakes, windshield wipers, and trunk .

Therefore, while it is theoretically possible for hackers to exploit some flaws in Tesla’s software or hardware, it would require a lot of skill, resources, and coordination to do so on a large scale and without being detected. It would also depend on the availability and connectivity of the Teslas, as well as the motivation and intention of the hackers.

The message

The scene in ‘Leave the World Behind’ is not meant to be a realistic depiction of a cyberattack, but rather a symbolic representation of the dangers of technology and the fragility of civilization. The movie, which is directed by Sam Esmail, the creator of ‘Mr. Robot’, explores the themes of paranoia, distrust, and isolation in the face of an unknown and apocalyptic threat.

The Teslas are a symbol of the modern and affluent lifestyle of the Sandford family, who are contrasted with the Scott family, the owners of the vacation home, who are older, less tech-savvy, and more connected to nature. The Teslas are also a symbol of the false sense of security and control that technology gives us, which can be easily disrupted and turned against us.

The movie does not offer any clear answers or explanations for what is happening, but rather invites the viewers to interpret the events and their meanings for themselves. The movie also challenges the viewers to question their own relationship with technology, and how it affects their perception of reality and their interaction with others.

The Scene: A Nightmare Unfolds

Netflix’s popular movie, ‘Leave the World Behind,’ features a captivating scene where a fleet of Teslas, seemingly hacked by an unknown force, crashes into each other on a highway. The Sandford family, played by Julia Roberts, witnesses this chaotic event, raising questions about the plausibility of such a scenario and the implications for our increasing reliance on technology.

The Reality of Hacking Teslas

The scene is inspired by the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, who delves into the concept of self-driving cars being vulnerable to hacking. But how likely is this in reality? Tesla’s self-driving system, still in beta testing, relies on a combination of sensors and software, requiring constant human supervision. While not impossible, experts suggest that hacking Teslas on a large scale, as depicted in the movie, is highly unlikely due to multiple layers of security and encryption implemented by Tesla.

Assessing Tesla’s Security Measures

Tesla claims to design cars with robust security features to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. The company monitors vehicles for suspicious activity and can remotely disable features or shut down the car if necessary. Despite these measures, Tesla has faced security breaches in the past, emphasizing the importance of ongoing vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The Symbolic Message: Technology as a Double-Edged Sword

The scene in ‘Leave the World Behind’ isn’t a realistic depiction of a cyberattack but serves as a symbolic representation of the dangers of technology. Directed by Sam Esmail, known for ‘Mr. Robot,’ the movie explores themes of paranoia, distrust, and isolation in the face of an unknown threat. The hacked Teslas symbolize the fragility of our dependence on technology, challenging viewers to reflect on their relationship with modern conveniences.

A Contrast of Lifestyles

The Teslas in the movie represent the modern, affluent lifestyle of the Sandford family, contrasting with the Scott family, owners of the vacation home, who are less tech-savvy and more connected to nature. The juxtaposition highlights the false sense of security and control that technology can provide, easily disrupted and turned against us.

No Clear Answers: Inviting Viewer Interpretation

‘Leave the World Behind’ doesn’t offer clear explanations for the events but encourages viewers to interpret the narrative and reflect on their own relationship with technology. The movie prompts critical thinking about the role and impact of technology in our lives and challenges us to use it wisely and responsibly.

Conclusion: The Impact of the Tesla Nightmare

The Tesla nightmare in Netflix’s ‘Leave the World Behind’ serves as a thought-provoking portrayal of the potential and peril of technology. While the depicted scenario might be technically improbable, the scene effectively conveys the theme of technology as a double-edged sword. It prompts viewers to consider the anxieties and uncertainties associated with living in a world increasingly dependent on and vulnerable to technology.

Conclusion

The Tesla nightmare in Netflix’s ‘Leave the World Behind’ is a shocking and disturbing scene that raises some interesting questions about the potential and the peril of technology. While the scene is not very realistic in terms of the technical feasibility of hacking Teslas, it is very effective in conveying the theme of technology as a double-edged sword that can either help or harm us.

The scene also reflects the anxiety and uncertainty of living in a world that is increasingly dependent on and vulnerable to technology. The movie invites the viewers to think critically and creatively about the role and the impact of technology in their lives, and how they can use it wisely and responsibly.