Safety Not Guaranteed
Review by Sean Lynch
If you haven't already boarded the Mark Duplass train, then I strongly reccomend you line up, get yourself a Myki (or some equally outdated, mismanaged public transport currency) and settle in for the ride. This guy is the future of cinema.
The reign of Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell & Judd Aptow's comedy crew is almost at an end. In their place comes a new, darker, more intricate style of comedian ... Duplass, from the school of "mumblecore".
Safety Not Guaranteed topped off a stellar year for Duplass (who came to mainstream prominence with TV series The League) thanks to an excellent string of unique and touching productions including Jeff, Who Lives at Home and Your Sister's Sister. It's the simplicity of the story and execution that really makes SNG such an unexpected gem of a film.
Based on a real life personal ad placed in the classifieds section of a local American newspaper, Safety Not Guaranteed is an amazing low key adventure in which a team of three magazine reporters embark on a journey to discover the secrets behind a classified ad regarding time travel.
Duplass plays Kenneth, the self proclaimed time traveller who doesn't want to take his next journey alone. Inspired by this notion, the local newspaper crew (comprising of a cynical intern named Darius played by Parks & Rec's Aubrey Plaza, a jaded veteran played by the excellent Jake Johnson from New Girl and a nerdy student) set off to the small town on the hunt for the ultimate time travel scoop.
However, upon meeting Kenneth, Darius see starts to see past his strange ways and recognises a kindred spirit, a fellow lonely soul. As their relationship blossoms, Darius begins to question her own motives as well as Kenneth's genuine, questionable sanity.
This is indie film making at it's best, with a wonderful sense of humour and pacing. The chemistry between Duplass and Plaza is sweet as nectar, while Jake Johnson is a comedic force to be reckoned with.
The film works so well within so many genres, there were rumours that director Colin Trevorrow was on the short list to take on the next Star Wars sequel on the back of this movie... so it gives you a bit of an indication of how impressive this flick is.
Get in a self loathing heart broken mood, open a bottle of wine, because Safety Not Guaranteed may very well be the answers to all of your prayers. A real delight!
Conclusion: Movie 85% Extras: N/A
