'Safe Haven' Review- A Passable Romantic Drama
This was originally released in 2013.
Nicholas Sparks has not only written some bestselling romance novels, but he has also seen many adapted onto screen. Some have been more greatly received than others, but Safe Haven, directed by Lasse Hallström is somewhat enjoyable.
A young woman is on the run named Katie (Julianne Hough) pulls into a small, sleepy town of Smallport, North Carolina as they are preparing for a Fourth of July celebration. There she befriends a neighbor named Jo (Cobie Smulders), a young woman who confides that she wants to leave town, but cannot yet.
She also meets Alex (Josh Duhamel), a local single dad with two kids who runs a convenience store. They take a liking to each other and soon start to fall in love. However, her cruel husband (David Lyons) is obsessed with finding Katie. In his position as a cop, he puts out an all points bulletin on her labeling her a suspect in a murder. Unbeknownst to him, she is finding solace in a safe place.
I know I am in the minority when it comes to critics regarding this film, but I don’t care what the industry elite think. They have gotten it wrong SO many times. With this in mind, I rented it on DVD.
I have to say, it’s one of those movies that tugs at your heartstrings most sweetly! As someone who loves a good romance with a little bit of mystery thrown in, this Nicholas Sparks adaptation hit the spot for me. Julianne Hough plays Katie so beautifully—she’s got this quiet strength that makes you root for her right from the start, and Josh Duhamel as Alex? Swoon-worthy! He’s the kind of guy you’d dream of bumping into in a small coastal town like Southport.
The chemistry between them is just lovely—it’s not over-the-top, but it feels so real like they’re two people who’ve been through a lot and found something special in each other. I adored how the movie takes its time letting their relationship bloom, with those little moments like the canoe scene that just make you smile. And the setting? That charming little seaside town made me want to pack my bags and move there ASAP!
Sure, it’s got some drama—Katie’s past catching up with her adds a nice twist that kept me on the edge of my seat—but it never feels too heavy. The way it all wraps up with that sweet, unexpected surprise at the end? I won’t spoil it, but it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Bottom line, Safe Haven is not a perfect movie, and I know some folks might roll their eyes at the Sparks formula, but for a cozy night in with a glass of wine, Safe Haven was just what I needed. Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good love story with a dash of hope!
FAVORITE QUOTE: Promise me something Katie, you’ll take a lot of pictures and only regret the ones that you didn’t take.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Language, sensuality
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.