Fix: Indie Comedy With A Scifi Twist
Platforms: Available to Rent (Multiple Platforms)
Official Summary:
A team of journalists are dispatched to find out who’s behind a classified advertisement seeking a companion for time travel, with payment on return. After tracking down their oddball prey, the team has to decide how best to approach their subject.
FYA Summary:
Darius is a woman who’s never fit in, not in high school, not in college, and especially not in the “real” world. When she takes an internship at Seattle Magazine, she’s conscripted into an investigation of the author of a classified ad looking for time travel partners with Jeff, a self-centered writer and Arnau, a meek fellow intern. What the three discover—about the author and themselves—is much more than they could have ever anticipated.
Familiar Faces:
Aubrey Plaza as Darius
Darius is a misfit, a lost soul and totally snarky. Aubrey, as illustrated by her previous roles (such as April on Parks and Recreation and Julie in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), does extremely well at playing this type of character.
Jeff Garlin as Mr. Britt
Jeff has a minor role in the movie as Darius’ dad, but is definitely one of the most recognizable faces of the cast, from his having acted in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development.
Mary Lynn Rajskub as Bridget
Bridget is the snooty editor of the magazine … and that’s about it. Mary Lynn’s talents, as showcased most notably by her role as Chloe on 24, definitely weren’t put to the test in this role, but she pulled her few scenes off with aplomb.
Nick Miller Jake Johnson as Jeff
I found myself swinging between wanting to make googly eyes at Jeff and wanting to punch him in the face. That’s not a bad thing, however. In the few things I’ve seen Jake in (New Girl, Drunk History, this movie) he plays a very similar character. So much so that I’m now pretty sure that he basically plays himself at all times. And I love it.
Mark Duplass as Kenneth
Kenneth is the nutty (or just misunderstood?) author of the classified ad. His earnest belief in his ability to time travel is endearing, and Mark’s portrayal of a man who’s both completely paranoid and yet trusting is spot-on. You might recognize Mark from The Mindy Project or The League.
Jenica Bergere as Liz
Liz was Jeff’s high school girlfriend, and even though Jeff initially sees the way she’s changed as for the worse, she’s actually pretty dang awesome. I want to be Liz’s friend, and I’m hoping that Jenica is equally as sweet. Previously, Jenica had roles in The Faculty and The Drew Carey Show.
There’s another very familiar face who has a bit role in the movie, but I loved the moment of “Ha!” that happened for me when she appeared, so I’m going to stay mum on who it is. Let’s just say … we used to be friends.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Medium
This one could go either way. I watched it with my husband, and we enjoyed it together. But I could see it being a perfect movie to watch by yourself on a rainy day, while curled up underneath a cozy blanket.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Low
As with many independent comedies, this movie takes a higher level of concentration than most. I am a light weight, so even one glass of wine might have made me miss something important.
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Very Good
Safety Not Guaranteed is sweet without being cloying, funny without being idiotic, smart without being over my head and an all-around enjoyable film.
