Safer at Home 2021
Directed by
Will Wernick
Made by
Vertical Entertainment
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
The Grim Setting
The film begins in fall 2022, set against a world ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 31 million lives have been lost in the United States alone, creating a chaotic atmosphere that permeates daily life.
Chaos in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has transformed into a police state, where the streets are filled with fear and uncertainty. This backdrop serves as the stage for the lives of three couples struggling to navigate their relationships amidst the turmoil.
Birthday Celebration on Zoom
The friends gather to celebrate Evan's birthday via Zoom, connecting from different locations including New York City and West Hollywood. Harper, a close friend, joins the celebration from Austin, Texas, adding to the emotional weight of the occasion.
The Designer Drug
As the night unfolds, the group decides to partake in a designer drug that Oliver has arranged. This choice sets off a chain of events that dramatically alters the course of their evening.
A Fatal Accident
During the drug-fueled celebration, a heated argument leads to Jen falling backward. The incident results in a devastating injury that seems to be fatal, leaving the friends in a state of panic and disbelief.
Fear of Police
In the midst of Jen's crisis, the group fears that the authorities might wrongfully accuse Evan of her death. Their panic is exacerbated by the chaos reigning outside and their distraction during the incident.
Desperate Decision to Flee
As the situation escalates, Evan decides to flee from the impending chaos. He is driven by fear and the urgency of the moment, despite legal advice from Danny to stay put.
Harper’s Emotional Revelation
Amidst the chaos, Harper reveals a heartbreaking secret: Jen was pregnant and had intended to tell Evan this after the party. This revelation adds a layer of tragedy to the already dire situation.
Evan’s Reckless Behavior
In a moment of panic, Evan drives to Oliver’s location, disregarding the legal warnings. The tension escalates as the military checkpoints reflect the severe decline in the city due to the pandemic.
Confrontation with Police
The law catches up with Evan as he makes the fateful decision to step outside his vehicle. Despite being visibly panicked, he raises his hands, only to be met with a tragic shooting by the police.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As Evan lies dying on the street, a heart-wrenching exchange occurs. Jen awakens at home, leading to a brief but impactful conversation about their love and Jen's pregnancy, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
Witnessing Loss
Evan’s friends are left in shock as they witness his tragic fate over the interactive feed. They grapple with the enormity of their loss and the life that was abruptly taken from them.
Jen’s Anguished Scream
Jen’s anguished scream resonates as she processes her loss, encapsulating the despair felt by all the characters involved. This moment serves as a tragic punctuation to the night’s events.
The New Staggering Toll
As the friends come to terms with their grief, a sobering news report in Oliver's vehicle announces that the death toll from the pandemic has now skyrocketed to 253 million. This grim statistic underscores the film's poignant exploration of life and loss.
Themes of Connection and Chaos
The film concludes by reflecting on the profound impacts of a world gripped by fear and loss. It explores themes of connection amidst chaos, leaving a lasting impression on the characters and the audience alike.
Characters
Ben
Ben is portrayed as a character caught in the turmoil of relationships during a chaotic time. He navigates the complexities of love and loyalty, especially in the face of his friend’s tragic situation. His decisions are influenced by the overwhelming stress of the circumstances surrounding them.
Liam
Liam plays a supportive role amidst the panic of the group. His presence serves as a stabilizing force, attempting to comfort his friends while facing his own fears about the escalating situation. He embodies the struggle to maintain connections in dire circumstances.
Evan
Evan, played by Brandon Morales, finds himself at the center of chaos after a horrific accident occurs. His panic-driven actions lead him to make desperate choices, ultimately culminating in a tragic fate. His emotional journey reflects the weight of guilt and a longing for connection amid loss.
Jen
Jen, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon, experiences a harrowing night that leads to her awakening and ultimate realization of her circumstances. Her character highlights maternal instincts and the profound bond of love, especially in a moment where life and death converge unexpectedly.
Oliver
Oliver is depicted as a catalyst for the night’s events, introducing the group to the designer drug that ignites the chaos. His character reflects the recklessness often borne from a desperate desire to escape reality, ultimately leading to disastrous outcomes.
Mia
Mia plays a supportive role, serving as a voice of reason amongst the chaos. She struggles with the unfolding drama and seeks to keep her loved ones grounded amidst the pandemonium of their circumstances.
Harper
Harper is an essential friend in the group, carrying emotional weight as she reveals critical truths about Jen. Her character serves to showcase the importance of friendship and sharing burdens during times of crisis.
Danny
Danny serves as the group's legal advisor, highlighting the danger of their situation. His warnings emphasize the harsh realities of the law during a time of chaos, reflecting the complexities of navigating a world greatly altered by the pandemic.
Setting
Time period
Fall 2022
During the fall of 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic has reached alarming levels, significantly affecting everyday life and societal norms. The backdrop is one of despair, with millions lost to the virus and the introduction of militarized law enforcement in urban areas. This time period is characterized by heightened fear, loss, and the desperate measures taken by individuals to connect amidst chaos.
Location
Los Angeles, New York City, West Hollywood, Austin, Venice
The movie takes place in several key locations, including Los Angeles, which has descended into a chaotic police state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New York City and West Hollywood serve as crucial backdrops for the relationships between the couples. The diverse settings intensify the characters’ struggles as they confront the harsh realities of their world.
Themes
💔
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the film, highlighting the emotional toll of the pandemic on relationships and individuals. It reflects on the profound impact of grief as characters navigate personal tragedies, such as Jen’s pregnancy and Evan’s fatal encounter with police. This theme ultimately serves as a reminder of the value of connection during desperate times.
🌐
Connection
Amidst a world of isolation, the film poignantly portrays the need for human connection. The characters’ Zoom birthday celebration becomes a lifeline for them, illustrating how technology attempts to bridge the distance created by lockdowns and fear. Connections are tested, strained, and ultimately become a source of both solace and tragedy.
🚨
Chaos
Chaos is a central theme, represented by the tumultuous state of society during the pandemic. As the characters engage in reckless behavior, influenced by drugs and desperation, their decisions lead to catastrophic consequences. The chaotic backdrop of police presence and societal collapse underscores the unpredictable nature of life during such a crisis.
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