David Burdick

Sad to say this film simply doesn’t live up to its double-star billing. The plot is at once vague and predictable (about the only thing that develops is Aaron Eckhart’s limp). The editing is is over stylized, jagged, and relentless; the film never breathes. The audio is suspect at times, especially when trying to understand what Eckhart is muttering into his dictaphone. Eckhart, who I usually find to be a reasonably bankable star, seems to be doing his best Bill Pullman imitation from The Sinner, right down to the disheveled appearance. Tommy Lee Jones delivers a typically professional if uninspired performance; like perhaps the main direction he received was “just do the Tommy Lee Jones thing”. All is not lost however: the cinematography by Gavin Smith and Russ De Jong gives the film an impactful look and tone reminiscent of Hell or High Water.

You’ve just got to love an indie movie with a script that matters - this movie seems effortless and real compared to the high budget CGI driven mega blockbusters! Aubrey Plaza will steal a little piece of your heart. Young, old, in between, Safety Not Guaranteed will draw you in before you know it.