Safe Place (2022) User Reviews

I had to take a few deep breath.

[raudafitriani · 9/10 · 3 December 2022]

Gosh, I really didn't know where to start, this movie left me speechless. Follows Damir, who's struggling with depression and trying to take his own life while his brother and mother want to save him, and everything happens over a period of just 24 hours. This is one of the few movies that connect to me, in the most depressing way. You don't need the whole backstory, you don't need reasons, this movie chains me astounded.

Heartbreaking, upsetting, and utterly poignant, Sigurno Mjesto is a slow-burn movie that deeply moving and a masterpiece of sorrow. I have to pause and take a deep breath for once, then continue to watch. It's raw, honest, and beautifully depicts the trauma and depression, surrounding the family. It's an invisible war within yourself.

It was a masterpiece, such a beautiful film with emotional storytelling and gorgeous cinematography that strongly showed the atrocious feelings of depression and fear of losing. Highly recommended.

No institution we saw offered a "safe place", as expressly demonstrated by the filmmakers. Cinematography and atmosphere had more impact on me than the words spoken

[JvH48 · 9/10 · 18 July 2023]

Saw this at the Rotterdam filmfestival (IFFR) 2023. Meticulously shot and acted family drama. It paints a negative picture of psychiatric hospitals and police stations, where no priority is given to reassuring their visitors nor helping them to understand what is going on and what the next steps could be. The places where most of the developments take place, show a mixture of bleak and dark, unwelcoming in every possible way. And how their visitors (in fact: customers) are handled there, is similarly unwelcoming. Bureaucracy lives there, and humans and their problems are a mere disturbance.

Three persons remain at center stage all the time: the family involved, consisting of mother and two brothers. A suicide attempt triggers the proceedings. We see one of the brothers breaking and entering the apartment of his brother, who is lying on the floor but still showing life signs. A medical team arrives, and later the police. Questions are asked, forms need to be filled in, basic and necessary things, but not helpful in understanding what is going on. No one asks what happened before. No one tries to establish what could have been the underlying cause of the suicide attempt.

All in all, the cinematography has more to say than the words uttered by the main protagonists. I cannot pinpoint exactly what makes me score 5 out of 5 for the audience award, given that Atmosphere and more generally Imagery usually go past me. Nevertheless, in this particular case the net result had an effect on me.

Side note: The title of the film came up repeatedly during the Q&A after the screening. This is fully understandable. I cannot see a "safe place" in any of the institutions we visited (***spoiler alert*** and especially in the last scene we see that even suicidal patients are not safe there either, and not protected against themselves).

A Glimpse into Mental Health Realities: "Safe Place" (2022) - A Powerful and Compelling Portrayal

[zapostolov · 9/10 · 4 October 2023]

"Safe Place" (2022) is a heartfelt and daring film that offers audiences a raw and realistic portrayal of a family's travails while dealing with a loved one's first psychotic episode and subsequent suicide attempt. Directed and written with exceptional finesse, this emotionally charged drama delves deep into the struggles and challenges faced by both patients and their families. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, "Safe Place" offers a poignant exploration of the confusion, desperation, and hurdles faced by those grappling with mental health issues and their interactions with medical professionals and law enforcement.

One aspect that sets "Safe Place" apart from other films centered around mental health is its distinct focus on the family's point of view. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the main character's loved ones, exposing their confusion, desperation, and earnest willingness to help. As the story progresses, the film delves into the complexities of the protagonist's first psychotic episode, carefully capturing the gradual disintegration of his mental state and the subsequent fallout within his household.

"Safe Place" excels at providing a painfully authentic representation of the challenges encountered by individuals battling mental health issues. The film masterfully captures the distressing effects of psychosis, presenting it not as a mere plot device but as a deeply human experience. The empathy and compassion exhibited by the filmmakers go a long way in ensuring that the characters' struggles are portrayed with integrity, avoiding stigmatization or exploitation of their condition.

One of the film's standout features is its unwavering dedication to depicting the profound impact of mental illness on a family unit. It goes beyond showcasing the turmoil experienced by the individual in crisis and explores the emotional and psychological toll on their loved ones. The film effectively illustrates the frustration, helplessness, and even self-blame experienced by family members as they grapple with their inability to fully comprehend or alleviate their loved one's suffering.

"Safe Place" bravely addresses the often-overshadowed issue of trust between mental health patients and the medical and law enforcement establishments. The film portrays the inherent difficulties patients face in confiding in professionals due to fear, stigma, and an overall lack of understanding surrounding mental health. This theme is accentuated through poignant scenes that highlight the skepticism, skepticism, and frustration experienced by the protagonist's family as they navigate the seemingly unhelpful or indifferent systems in place.

The performances in "Safe Place" are remarkable, delivering a multi-dimensional, emotionally charged experience. The cast transcends traditional acting, breathing life into their characters with sincerity, nuance, and impeccable skill. The director's deft touch guides the film with a steady hand, skillfully navigating the fine line between stark realism and offering audiences moments of respite amid the darkness.

The cinematography of "Safe Place" exudes intimacy, creating an immersive experience that draws audiences into the family's tumultuous journey. The visual composition skillfully supports the narrative, using lighting and camera angles to evoke a sense of unease or tenderness as required. Accompanied by a haunting and evocative score, the film's sound design enhances the emotional impact, allowing viewers to deeply empathize with the characters' experiences.

"Safe Place" is a cinematic tour-de-force that portrays mental health issues with the sensitivity and intelligence that they deserve. From its realistic portrayal of a family coping with a loved one's first psychotic episode to its exploration of the difficulties encountered within the medical and law enforcement systems, the film leaves an indelible mark on the viewer's psyche. With powerful performances, exceptional direction, and thoughtful execution, "Safe Place" earns its well-deserved rating of 9 out of 10. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency for greater understanding and support for individuals and families grappling with the challenges of mental health.

Remarkable

[DavoZed · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

This is likely the best film that I have seen all year. Maybe the best film that I have seen in a number of years.

I don't know why it hasn't won every award available. I'm going to guess that some of that has to do with it being little known and Croatian.

The three main actors are remarkable, the story is heartbreaking and the film is a masterpiece. It is so good that I felt like I was watching a documentary.

The subject matter will scare or offend many but the handling of it is very good. Someone is trying to kill themselves and their family is focused on preventing that from happening.

The family's humanity is endless. The system's lack of humanity is terrifying.

Watch this film.

Addendum

It has won a series of awards. Mostly awards at film fests where it was screened.

There is a list of the award nominations and wins, here on IMDb. 40 + nominations and 20 + wins. In the film description posted by the film fest where I saw the film, they mention a few of the awards.

My comments are the same. This is a remarkable film, an extraordinary first feature.

A total waste of time.

[blomsmabert · 1/10 · 11 November 2023]

This 'film' is an insult to the audience and a total waste of time and money. It is also the most boring 'film' that I have ever seen in more than 50 years. In short, it is about a guy who first rescues his brother and then kidnaps him from the mental hospital with the help of the mother. They drag the poor guy to the other side of the country and fail to watch or take care of him properly. Given no professional care and no medication until it is finally too late, we are supposed to believe that the brother's suicide is the institution's fault. Really a horrible and nasty piece of work, but above all, it will bore you to death.