I'm a fan of time travel. Anyone who knows me at all will know it's one of my favorite ideas. That being said, Safety Not Guaranteed is not about time travel, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that fact. Thank goodness Netflix put this movie in my "Top 10" because when I originally saw the trailer, I wanted to see it. The entire plot hinges on an add posted as follows:
"Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. P.O. Box 91 Ocean View, WA 99393. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before."
The main character, Darius, (played by Aubrey Plaza) carries this light-hearted but insightful film with her quick-witted delivery and charm, and ultimately serves as a vessel for the audience to truly experience the story.
For most of the film Darius joins the poster of the ad, Kenneth, (played by Mark Duplass) on what seems like strange and unimportant hijinks, however after potentially committing some crimes the stakes of this story begin to rise, and depth of character is discovered.
Again, I need to say this movie is not about time travel...
The supporting cast completes a couple of different character arcs that truly help propel this story into an area that I think most films never honestly have the courage to explore, and that is the human heart. Nostalgia fuels this story, along with wrinkles of regret, however, hope is the surviving theme here. Hope of a future for people who have honest scars that ache from past hurt. Yes, it is a comedy, but these moments of elation arrive in perfect cue; with the moments of pain. Not to sound too sentimental, but this movie reminds me of a quote from Walt Disney:
"For every laugh, there should be a tear."
With honest performances delivered from all actors, witty dialog, intelligent directing, and a great story; Safety Not Guaranteed has found its way into my favorite movies of the past few years.
I recommend this story for anyone who wants to go on an adventure of the heart.
