Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent action thriller with torture, suicide, and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Safe House (2025)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SAFE HOUSE opens with a terrorist attack in downtown Los Angeles, where explosives hit the Vice President's convoy and a chemical bomb detonates near City Hall. In the aftermath, several federal agents take refuge in a high-security safe house run by Anderson (Lucien Laviscount), alongside Owens (Hannah John-Kamen), Choi (Lewis Tan), and others from different agencies who barely know each other. When General Marshall (Brett Cullen) informs them that the bomb's detonator signal traces back to their building, he remotely seals the safe house, believing one of them may be responsible. Trapped inside while danger threatens from both outside attackers and possible betrayal within, the agents must uncover the truth before suspicion and paranoia spiral out of control.
Is It Any Good?
There's something refreshingly old-school about a mid-budget action thriller that knows exactly what it is and doesn't apologize for it. Safe House feels like a throwback to the tight, efficient studio thrillers of the '90s: lean, muscular, and built around suspicion, explosions, and a ticking clock. It's a brisk 90 minutes of shifting alliances and escalating paranoia, and one of its real pleasures is how it makes guessing the double-crosser genuinely fun. The twists keep coming, the action rarely lets up, and the movie never pretends it's inventing something new. It just wants to entertain, and it does.
Lucien Laviscount, best known to many for Emily in Paris, proves he's more than the glossy romantic lead from that show. As Anderson, he brings physicality, charm, and a grounded intensity that make him a credible action star. Hannah John-Kamen matches him with sharp intelligence and steel as Owens, and their chemistry gives the film an extra jolt of energy. Most of the characters lean into familiar archetypes, and the revival of the bulky, blond Russian villain feels a bit outdated. Still, within the film's pulpy framework, it largely works. It asks you to suspend disbelief, but in return it delivers momentum, intrigue, and a satisfying ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Owens tries to act with integrity even when everyone around her is lying. Is that realistic in this kind of world or naive?
Anderson questions assumptions before acting. How important is that in high-pressure situations?
The film shows characters following orders without questioning them. When should someone refuse an order?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 31, 2025
- Cast : Lucien Laviscount , Hannah John-Kamen , Lewis Tan , Ethan Embry
- Director : Jamie Marshall
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Thriller
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 18, 2026
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