Safety Not Guaranteed centers on three journalists who investigate a classified ad placed by a man seeking a partner for time travel. The film follows Darius, an intern, who grows closer to the man, Kenneth, as she pretends to be interested in joining his time travel mission. Kenneth believes he has invented a method for traveling back in time to fix a personal tragedy, and the film explores his unwavering conviction despite the skepticism of others. The story weaves together elements of trust, loss, and the blurred line between reality and delusion, as both Darius and Kenneth confront their personal demons. Although time travel is an underlying theme, the movie is more focused on human relationships and emotional healing, with the potential reality of time travel left ambiguous by the end. This indie film stands out by combining heartfelt drama with sci-fi undertones, offering a fresh take on both genres.
Safety Not Guaranteed
Gravity Index: 5
Safety Not Guaranteed offers a charming mix of indie comedy and emotional drama, using the concept of time travel as a metaphor for personal growth rather than as a high-concept sci-fi element. The film focuses more on the human side of the characters than on the mechanics or consequences of time travel itself, providing a light yet heartfelt exploration of connection, belief, and second chances. It’s a film that feels grounded despite its fantastical premise, making it more about relationships than science.
Tone: 5
The tone of Safety Not Guaranteed balances humor with moments of introspection and emotional depth. The premise of a personal ad seeking a time travel companion is treated with a sense of curiosity and lightheartedness, but as the story unfolds, it also touches on themes of loss, regret, and belief. While there are comedic elements throughout the film, there’s an underlying serious exploration of human vulnerability and trust. This balance places the tone in the medium range.
Consequence: 6
The high-concept element of time travel in Safety Not Guaranteed doesn’t have major, world-altering consequences—at least not until the end, where the possibility of time travel being real becomes a focus. Instead, the film’s stakes are more personal, centering on the emotional growth and connection between the characters. The potential consequences are left ambiguous but feel significant on a personal level for the protagonist. This puts the consequences in the medium range, as they aren’t grand-scale but still impactful.
Depth: 4
Safety Not Guaranteed doesn’t dive into the mechanics of time travel or offer much in terms of scientific explanation. Instead, the film uses time travel more as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journeys and their desire to undo or revisit parts of their past. There are a few philosophical musings about belief and reality, but they remain secondary to the interpersonal drama. This places the depth at a lower to medium level.