Safety Not Guaranteed Review

   FROM THE AD THAT WENT VIRAL...

A Reel World Review - My Collection

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED

A charming film that crosses two genres - science fiction and romantic comedy, but it does so seamlessly.

Finding a brilliant small, independant movie like Safety Not Guaranteed is always a treat but this is one of the best movies, of any size or budget, that I have seen for a while and once you start watching, you'll be there until the credits roll.

In the story, Jeff (Jake Johnson), a cynical Seattle jounalist finds an intriguing advert in a local newspaper and offers to write an article about it.

He travels to Ocean View in Washington, from where the advert originated, with two interns and an ulterior motive, to find an old high school girlfriend from his past. Darius (Aubrey Plaza) is a sarcastic young intern who is searching for something more in life and Arnau (Karan Soni), a quiet, nerdy guy with little confidence. 

Once at their destination they find the adverts author, a seemingly crazy scientist called Kenneth, portrayed brilliantly by Mark Duplass, who has an even crazier plan - to go back in time, but for what reason?

Jeff fails to connect with Kenneth but the more sullen Darius has better luck and as the film continues, their connection grows, with Plaza and Duplass making the progression of their relationship feel smooth and natural. Whilst the two of them work to complete Kenneth's plan through a series of convoluted tasks, Jeff searches for Liz (Jenica Begere), his high school sweetheart and through their encounters his personality his to change.

It is a strange concept for a rom-com and is more focused on the characters' emotional journeys rather than the sci-fi element but the film keeps you guessing right up until the end and concludes with an unpredictable final scene that hopefully will leave you stunned and without words.

A Reel World Rating