A Narratolgical Analysis of Narrative Ambiguity and Knowledge Crisis in Leave the World Behind (2023)

Abstract

Ambiguity and the crisis of knowledge have become significant issues in contemporary narratives, especially in films that withhold reliable information to build suspense and audience engagement. Previous studies have given limited attention to the role of narratological elements in constructing ambiguity and representing a crisis of knowledge. In this study, a knowledge crisis refers to a condition in which reliable information becomes inaccessible, causing uncertainty and difficulties in understanding reality. This study applies Gerard Genette’s narratological framework to investigate how the film creates ambiguity and represents a crisis of knowledge. The research aims to analyze how narrative elements are used to portray the characters’ lack of knowledge and to guide audience comprehension of information breakdown, generating suspense and thematic richness. Using a qualitative textual analysis method, data were drawn from dialogues, actions, and visual cues, then classified according to Genette’s narrative categories. The findings show that fragmented chronology, unstable temporal pacing, repeated disruptions, restricted focalization, and the absence of an omniscient narrator function as narrative strategies that sustain uncertainty and immerse audiences in a crisis of knowledge. The study demonstrates that ambiguity operates not only as a stylistic device but also as a thematic strategy that encourages audience participation in meaning-making. Furthermore, this research contributes to film studies and narratology by showing how narrative form can represent epistemological uncertainty and shape audience engagement in contemporary cinema.