Denzel Washington’s compelling sci-fi film, The Book of Eli, is set to leave Netflix at the end of December, with December 31st marking the last chance for subscribers to watch it on the streaming giant. With Washington’s career defined by iconic roles, this entry stands out as one of his more underappreciated works, offering a unique blend of post-apocalyptic action and emotional storytelling that has earned renewed attention in recent years.
Currently, Netflix subscribers can access The Book of Eli, the 2010 post-apocalyptic neo-Western directed by the Hughes Brothers, for just a few more days. Denzel Washington stars as a lone wanderer named Eli, traveling through a devastated country in pursuit of delivering a sacred book—a symbol of hope that humanity desperately needs—to a secure location. The film’s ensemble also includes Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, and Jennifer Beals. As the schedule stands, the movie will depart Netflix on January 1st, making its availability on December 31st especially significant for fans and newcomers alike.
Why The Book of Eli Deserves a Second Look
The Book of Eli stands as a criminally underrated piece of cinema within Denzel Washington’s filmography and among sci-fi movies in general. When it premiered, the film achieved moderate box office results, earning $157 million globally against an $80 million budget, and ranking just behind James Cameron’s Avatar during its opening weekend. Reception among critics was mixed, with the movie landing at a disappointing 46% score on Rotten Tomatoes despite audience appreciation for its execution and themes.
Washington, following hits like The Taking of Pelham 123, adopted an unconventional role in The Book of Eli, stepping away from his usual character types. His performance in this film is both stoic and deeply moving, reflecting a character driven by a spiritual mission through a bleak yet visually captivating world. Director Hughes Brothers bring an immersive vision of a broken society, balanced with captivating action sequences and a powerful narrative about faith. The Book of Eli culminates in a dramatic twist, reframing everything that has come before it and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Although the initial response from critics might have seemed harsh, the film’s legacy has grown steadily. In the streaming era, The Book of Eli has periodically found a place among popular movie charts and has cultivated broader admiration. This resurgence in popularity is partly fueled by an exciting announcement: a prequel series is in development featuring John Boyega as a young Eli. Revealed in January 2024, this upcoming project will explore events set thirty years before the original movie unfolds, enriching the world that original fans have come to appreciate. Currently, the prequel series is still in development and awaiting a specific release date.
What’s Next for Viewers After Its Netflix Exit?
Fans and those interested in this Denzel Washington sci-fi movie will need to act quickly, as The Book of Eli will no longer be available on Netflix after the new year begins. Once removed from the streaming platform, the film will not be available on rival services for now. This leaves viewers with alternatives such as digital rentals, purchases online, or acquiring physical copies in order to enjoy the film.
The uncertainty around future availability makes the current streaming window especially pressing for subscribers and Denzel Washington fans alike. The ongoing interest in Washington’s remarkable performance, as well as the anticipation for the upcoming prequel starring John Boyega, ensures The Book of Eli will remain a subject of conversation among genre enthusiasts and general audiences.
The Lasting Appeal of The Book of Eli
For those interested in sci-fi movies, Denzel Washington’s portrayal as Eli and the film’s post-apocalyptic vision have cemented The Book of Eli as a standout work worth a revisit or a first-time viewing. The movie continues to spark interest in dystopian storytelling, leading many to rediscover its action, depth, and themes related to hope and redemption. As Netflix refreshes its library and streaming landscapes continue to shift, landmark films like The Book of Eli highlight how streaming access can give renewed life to underappreciated works.
With projects like the prequel series generating extra excitement and introducing new faces such as John Boyega into the universe, the franchise appears poised for a fresh chapter. Until then, eager audiences still have their final days to stream, discuss, and appreciate Washington’s contribution to the world of sci-fi cinema before this memorable film leaves Netflix behind.
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– ComicBook.com
