Safety Not Guaranteed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of cynical magazine people bother a possibly insane grocery store worker who wants to go back in time until one of them decides to go with him, maybe to time travel, maybe not, who knows?

🍿 Safety Not Guaranteed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Classified Ad

A Seattle magazine sends writer Jeff and interns Darius and Arnau to investigate a peculiar classified ad: “Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. Bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed.” Darius, cynical and disconnected, sees potential in the story.

Meeting Kenneth

The team tracks down Kenneth, a grocery store employee who believes he’s building a time machine. Jeff is dismissive, focusing on his own high school crush in the area, while Arnau seeks to gain life experience. Darius, however, feigns interest in Kenneth’s project to get the story, but begins to connect with him on a deeper level.

Training and Trust

Darius participates in Kenneth’s bizarre training exercises, from target practice to stealing equipment. She learns about his past and his supposed mission: to prevent the death of his girlfriend, Belinda. As they bond, Darius starts to question her skepticism and entertain the possibility that Kenneth might be telling the truth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Darius (Aubrey Plaza): A cynical magazine intern who develops a connection with a man claiming to have built a time machine.
• Kenneth (Mark Duplass): A quirky and secretive man who places an ad seeking a companion for time travel.
• Jeff (Jake Johnson): A cynical magazine writer using the time travel story as a cover to reconnect with a past love.
• Arnau (Karan Soni): A nerdy intern who experiences personal growth while tagging along on the time travel story.
• Bridget (Mary Lynn Rajskub): The magazine editor who approves and oversees the article about the time traveler.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kenneth: “Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. Bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed.” – The classified ad that sparks the entire plot and sets the tone for Kenneth’s eccentric quest.
• Darius: “I guess I just thought everything cool was already gone.” – Darius explains her initial motivation for wanting to travel back in time, highlighting her disillusionment.
• Kenneth: “You have to believe it’s possible. Otherwise, it’s never going to be.” – Kenneth’s core philosophy about time travel and the power of belief, central to the film’s themes.
• Kenneth: “To go it alone, or to go with a partner. When you choose a partner, you have to have compromises and sacrifices, but it’s the price you pay.” – Kenneth explaining about time travel with a partner, but also about relationships in general.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $750,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,010,957
• Worldwide Gross: $4,424,699

💥 Safety Not Guaranteed Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie! It’s a sweet and quirky story with characters you can’t help but root for. Aubrey Plaza is fantastic as Darius, and Mark Duplass is perfectly cast as the enigmatic Kenneth. The ending left me wondering, ‘Did they really do it?’ which is exactly what a good movie should do. I was drawn in by their journey, and it made me think about what I would change if I could go back in time. Definitely a must-watch for anyone who enjoys indie films with heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie films”
  • “Viewers interested in quirky romances”
  • “Those who appreciate ambiguous endings”
  • “People who enjoy Aubrey Plaza’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Aubrey Plaza credits John Waters’ ‘Serial Mom’ for inspiring her comedy tastes, highlighting its impact on her comedic sensibilities.
• High on Films: “My Old Ass (2024) Movie Review: Time travel quirks add levity to generic coming-of-age comedy. It offers a light-hearted take on familiar themes, appealing to fans of feel-good movies.
• N/A: “The film brilliantly handles complex themes of regret, love, and trust. Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass deliver exceptional performances, making the story feel both quirky and heartfelt. The ending leaves you pondering the possibilities of time travel and the importance of human connection. A truly unique and memorable film.

Audience Reactions

The film’s quirky humor and heartfelt story resonated with viewers.: Many praised the performances of Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass, finding their chemistry engaging and believable.

The film’s ending split viewers between those who loved the ambiguity and those who wanted a clearer resolution.: Overall consensus is that it’s a thought-provoking and charming film that stands out from mainstream movies.

Overall Consensus: A quirky and charming indie film that explores themes of regret, hope, and human connection, with strong performances from its leads, although the ambiguous ending may not satisfy all viewers.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best First Feature)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is loosely based on a real classified ad placed in Backwoods Home Magazine in 1997.”
• “Director Colin Trevorrow and writer Derek Connolly expanded the concept into a character-driven story about connection and belief.”
• “The low budget and indie nature of the production allowed for improvisation and a collaborative atmosphere on set.”
• “John Silveira is credited as a Time Travel Consultant.”

🖥️ How to Watch Safety Not Guaranteed?

You can stream ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s available for rent or purchase. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Additionally, the film is often available for digital purchase on sites like Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Safety Not Guaranteed, you might like these similar films:

• About Time (2013): Deals with time travel used for personal growth and relationships with a similar quirky, heartwarming tone.
• Primer (2004): Explores the complexities and potential consequences of time travel with a grounded, independent film approach.
• Ruby Sparks (2012): Features a writer who magically conjures his ideal woman into existence. A similar exploration of an imaginative concept with romantic and quirky elements.
• Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012): Also starring Aubrey Plaza, this film shares a similar indie, quirky sensibility while exploring themes of connection and finding meaning in unusual circumstances.

🛒 Safety Not Guaranteed Related Products

• Safety Not Guaranteed [Blu-ray]: Own the acclaimed indie film on Blu-ray, featuring bonus content and a high-definition viewing experience.
• Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series: Enjoy Aubrey Plaza’s signature deadpan humor in this hilarious comedy series. This collection includes all seasons and special features.
• Time Machine Building for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide: A humorous guide on constructing your own time machine, including tips on finding the right companion and preparing for potential paradoxes.
• Zither Music for Time Travelers: Download a curated playlist of zither music, perfect for setting the mood on your next time-traveling adventure.

🎧 Soundtrack

Safety Not Guaranteed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Architects and Engineers” – performed by Guster

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Safety Not Guaranteed’: Unraveling the Meme that Inspired the Movie

Ever wondered about the mysterious classified ad seeking a time travel companion? This video uncovers the real story behind the ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ meme and explores its unexpected connection to the movie. Prepare to be intrigued!

Aubrey Plaza on ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’: An Exclusive Interview

Curious about Aubrey Plaza’s thoughts on ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’? This interview gives you an exclusive glimpse into her experience, from her initial reaction to the script to her on-set adventures. She shares her insights and enthusiasm, making this a must-watch for fans of the film!

Aubrey Plaza Unfiltered: From ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ to ‘Parks and Rec’

Get up close and personal with Aubrey Plaza in this wide-ranging interview. She spills the beans on ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ and her iconic role in ‘Parks and Rec’, sharing her behind-the-scenes stories and her witty observations on life and laughter. Prepare for a fun and insightful conversation!

✨ Rate