Safer at Home 2021

Set against the grim backdrop of fall 2022, the film navigates a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated beyond comprehension, with more than 31 million lives lost in the United States alone. Los Angeles has devolved into a chaotic police state, casting a shadow over three intertwining couples: Ben and Liam in New York City, Evan and Jen in West Hollywood, and Oliver and Mia in Los Angeles’ Venice neighborhood. Joining them for a Zoom birthday celebration for Evan is their friend Harper in Austin, Texas.

As the group decides to partake in a designer drug that Oliver has arranged for delivery, the night takes a horrific turn. A heated exchange leads to Jen, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon, falling backward and seemingly succumbing to a fatal injury. The friends, now clouded by the effects of the drug, panic over the situation, with fears that the authorities might wrongly accuse Evan of her death— a point underscored by their distracted attention during the incident.

With chaos reigning outside and police activity heightening, Evan, played by Brandon Morales, makes a desperate decision to flee. In the midst of this turmoil, Harper reveals an emotional secret: Jen had confided in her about being pregnant, a revelation she intended to share with Evan after the party. As the streets of Los Angeles reflect the severe decline caused by the pandemic—highlighted by military checkpoints—Evan disregards the warnings from a legal advisor, Danny, and drives toward Oliver’s location.

However, the law catches up with him, and amidst his increasingly panicked state, Evan fails to comply with police orders. In a tragic turn, he steps outside with his hands raised, phone still connected to his friends on the interactive feed, only to be met with a fatal shooting. In a heart-wrenching moment, as Evan lies dying in the street, Jen awakens to consciousness in their home, leading to a bittersweet exchange about their love and their unborn child.

As Evan succumbs to his injuries, this is witnessed by their friends who are left grappling with the enormity of loss. Jen’s anguished scream echoes the despair of the moment, compounded by the sobering news report in Oliver’s vehicle, announcing the staggering death toll from the pandemic has now reached 253 million. The film poignantly explores themes of connection, chaos, and the profound impacts of a world gripped by fear and loss.