Carol, a typical upper middle-class housewife, begins to complain of vague symptoms of illness. She "doesn't feel right," has unexplained headaches, congestion, a dry cough, nosebleeds, vomiting, and trouble breathing. Her family doctor treats her concerns dismissively and suggests a psychiatrist. Eventually, an allergist tells her that she has Environmental Illness.
The audaciousness that marked Todd Haynes' earlier work has been supplanted by self-important preachiness.
– Todd McCarthy,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
fresh:
In a summer of heavyweight action movies and flyweight romantic comedies, I don't think you'll find a more provocative little number than Safe, which creeps under your skin like a rash.
– Lisa Schwarzbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jul 2010
fresh:
This creepy art movie will stay with you.
– Jonathan Rosenbaum,
Chicago Reader,
21 Jul 2010
fresh:
You'd have to be cranky or blind to deny Haynes' artistry and vision. There's a dark power, a tremor that runs through the movie like the rumble of a secret dread.
– Michael Wilmington,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jun 2013
fresh:
Moore, in a nearly unplayable role, is amazingly vivid and touching; this is a heartbreaking portrait of a woman in full, panicked retreat from life.