Thanks to Disney Studios my family received an early screener of Safety. All opinions are my own.
Today, Safety is streaming exclusively on Disney+ and this is a movie all parents will appreciate. This is not your typical football or sports movie. It appeals to all audiences but will be appreciated more by teens and adults. Little kids may struggle to understand the full storyline.
Disney+ Safety
SAFETY is a drama inspired by the empowering story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson).
Get your tissues ready! I have been so busy working lately, that I honestly didn’t know what I was sitting down to watch with the kids. I knew it was a new Disney movie so I was sure I would enjoy it. Safety touched on some of my biggest fears, spoke to my soul, pulled at my heart and made me have feelings that I haven’t had in a long time. It also reminded me of the days I was a young, single teen mom and reminded me of what all I have to be thankful for to this day.
Knowing this film is based on a true story made it even more special to me.
I have a daughter with special needs so one of my fears has always been “what would happen if something happened to me?” I was a single mom for over ten years so that was always a scary thought. Seeing Fahmarr face foster care made me take a deep pause. Then watching Ray struggle with caring for his brother when he was a young, first year college student was a nice reminder of my first years as a mom. It is tough being a single parent! Safety reminds us all that everyone needs help and it is okay to ask for assistance.
There were a few times that the movie brought out some raw emotion where I was so angry that the boys kept being kicked down. I’m not familiar with scholarship and sports policies – I knew that students could never accept bribes such as cash or consumables – but I didn’t realize that even being given a ride somewhere by someone that works for the university is considered special treatment. The entire film is focused on how doing the “right thing” is not always easy.
Disney did an excellent job of demonstrating the true struggle of when it is okay to ask for help and when it may cross a line. There were a few moments of “life isn’t fair!” tossed in there. I do not normally shed tears for a movie, but this one I couldn’t help myself. It truly was a wholesome movie that I will watch again. If you enjoyed The Blind Side then you’ll see a resemblance with Safety – just more kid-friendly.
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