Sam Esmail's Leave the World Behind is a film riddled with hidden gems and potentially controversial subplots. While there have been tons of hidden symbols discovered by viewers, most of them have been debunked. Now let's talk about Ethan Hawke's Leave the World Behind Bikini Kill shirt.
Ethan Hawke starred in the movie as Clay Sandford, the husband of Julia Roberts' Amanda Sandford. Let's take a look at the meaning of the symbol on his shirt and whether it points us to any clues that the Obama-produced movie wants us to unearth.
What is the Meaning of Ethan Hawke's Leave the World Behind Bikini Kill Shirt?
Since Leave the World Behind is an apocalyptic movie, there is little room for the main characters to change their clothes. Case in point, Ethan Hawke's character in Leave the World Behind wears a Bikini Kill shirt on the first night of their short-lived vacation.
But what is Bikini Kill and what does it symbolize?
In today's time and age, Bikini Kill symbolizes the riot grrrl movement. It is a "Rebel Girl" shirt that sends a powerful message of defiance and female empowerment.
But more than the shirt, Bikini Kill is the name of a now-defunct feminist punk band from Olympia, WA and Washington, DC. The group formed in 1990 but broke up in 1997. Their music stood out for its feminist lyrics but it was the group's fiery performances that made them iconic.
The group was considered ahead of its time as the message their music stood for did not make a lasting impression until the decades that would follow. Despite this, their name continues to be a symbol of empowerment, particularly to women around the world.
Seeing the shirt on Ethan Hawke in Leave the World Behind proves that the timeless message is still relevant in today's time and age.
You can listen to Bikini Kill's song here:
Fan Reactions to Ethan Hawke's Bikini Kill Shirt
Some moviegoers saw Hawke's Leave the World Behind Bikini Kill shirt as a funny irony. The fact that a straight white American man was wearing the shirt proved that the movie was, indeed, a brilliant work of fiction.
Although the choice of Hawke's shirt was not part of the source material, it was deliberately put with a clear message for all.
Just check out some of these fan reactions to Hawke's character wearing the shirt in the movie.
RELATED: US Map in Leave the World Behind Hides An Eerie Easter Egg
Where to Buy the Bikini Kill Shirt?
If you're looking for the same Bikini Kill shirt that Hawke wore on Leave the World Behind, you can check out Vintage & Classic. The shirt is available in a variety of colors, along with several other pop culture references that you may find interesting.
What did you think about Hawke's shirt of choice in the film?
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