Safe

Safe

Year: 1995

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Todd Haynes

Drama

As suburban tranquility shatters, Carol White's mysterious afflictions ravage her body: coughing fits, exhaustion, and nosebleeds triggered by everyday stimuli. Frustrated with medical explanations, she seeks solace in a new-age retreat, where a charismatic guru promises to heal her "20th century disease" through introspection, self-love, and unconventional therapies.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Safe yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Safe (1995)
Trace every key event in Safe (1995) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Life in San Fernando Valley

Carol White lives a seemingly perfect life in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Greg and their son. Despite the picturesque setting, Carol's life begins to unravel as she experiences a series of unexplained ailments that disrupt her peace.

San Fernando Valley
2

Struggling with Illness

As Carol's health deteriorates, she seeks help from her physician, who cannot identify any medical issues. Her initial efforts to improve her condition through diet and lifestyle changes yield no results, leaving her increasingly frustrated.

3

Collapse While Driving

During a particularly alarming episode, Carol collapses while driving home, prompting her to consult another doctor. This visit reveals a mild allergy, but it does little to alleviate her growing concerns about her health.

4

Desperate to Find Answers

Carol's situation continues to worsen, and she grows desperate to uncover the underlying cause of her illness. Despite consulting various doctors and psychologists, no one seems to understand her symptoms, deepening her sense of isolation.

5

Extreme Diet and Environmental Blame

In her quest for relief, Carol adopts an extreme diet suggested by her friend Nell. Frustrated, she starts blaming various environmental factors such as food chemicals, cleaning supplies, and pollutants for her deteriorating health.

6

Emotional Outburst at a Party

At a party for a close friend, who is pregnant, Carol experiences a significant emotional outburst. This incident marks a turning point for her, revealing her intense psychological struggle and driving her to seek more extreme measures for recovery.

Friend's house
7

Discovering Wrenwood Retreat

In search of answers and a place to heal, Carol discovers Wrenwood, a retreat designed for those suffering from various ailments. Here, patients are encouraged to introspect, guided by a charismatic doctor who promotes a strict lifestyle.

Wrenwood Retreat
8

Strict Rules at Wrenwood

Upon arriving at Wrenwood, Carol quickly becomes aware of its stringent regulations, including clothing restrictions and dietary limitations. Cars are banned, adding to her frustration as she adjusts to this new and challenging environment.

Wrenwood Retreat
9

Encountering Fellow Patients

At Wrenwood, Carol meets a couple who have retreated for similar health issues. They have built a secluded bunker in hopes of controlling their environment, yet tragedy strikes when one of them faces an impending death despite their efforts.

Wrenwood Retreat
10

Strained Family Relationships

As Carol becomes more entrenched in her new life at Wrenwood, her interactions with Greg and their son grow increasingly strained. The emotional distance and lack of physical affection highlight the toll her illness is taking on familial bonds.

11

Isolation in the Igloo

Feeling overwhelmed, Carol makes the decision to sever ties with her family completely. She retreats to a solitary igloo, where she aims to confront her inner turmoil and unresolved emotions away from the complexities of her previous life.

Wrenwood Retreat
12

Facing Inner Turmoil

In her isolated igloo, Carol muses over her struggles and confronts feelings of sadness and desolation. This introspection becomes vital for her journey toward understanding and acceptance of her condition.

Igloo at Wrenwood
13

The Reflective Moment

The film culminates in a poignant moment where Carol gazes into a mirror. She softly utters the words 'I love you,' revealing not just a moment of self-acceptance, but also a deep reflection on the sadness that has pervaded her journey.

Igloo at Wrenwood

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:16

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