Shivangi Sinha
Lifetime’s ‘Safe Room’ (also known as Safe Space) is a tense, edge-of-your-seat 2022 thriller that grips the audience with its high stakes and emotional core. The story follows Lila Jackson, who has recently lost her husband. What makes things more challenging is that she is raising her son, Ian, who is on the autism spectrum. Life takes a terrifying turn for them when Ian accidentally records two men breaking into a neighbor’s home and murdering the homeowner. Realizing the killers will stop at nothing to silence them, Lila springs into action, ushering Ian into the panic room in their home.
Trapped inside with danger lurking just outside the door, she must figure out a way to survive and protect her son. Directed by Boris Kodjoe, the film operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a nail-biting race against time to escape ruthless intruders, but beneath that, it’s an intimate story of the evolving relationship between a mother and her child. As Lila sees her son in a new light, the suspense is matched by moments of quiet revelation and unexpected vulnerability.
Safe Room Pays Attention to the Importance of Representation to Present a Realistic Story
‘Safe Room’ is less about being inspired by a single true event and more about capturing the small, authentic truths of life. It offers a heartfelt representation of individuals with autism or similar diagnoses, while also delving into the evolving reality of a mother–son relationship over time. Lisa initially views her son Ian as a young boy in constant need of protection, but she is taken aback by his maturity and sharp attention to detail. Writer Nneka Gerstle grounds the story in these intimate, relatable moments, using them to build a world where sudden and extreme circumstances disrupt the lives of the protagonists.
The entire team and production of the film did a commendable job in bringing accuracy to the story, especially in portraying the autism spectrum with care and accuracy. They collaborated closely with the organization RespectAbility during script reviews and other creative aspects to ensure the depiction was genuine and respectful. Central to this authenticity is Nik Sanchez, who plays Ian Jackson. An autistic actor himself, Nik has been working in the industry for several years, earning recognition for his natural performances and dedication to honest representation. His personal experience brings a depth to Ian’s character, allowing audiences to connect with the story on a more truthful level while highlighting the importance of representation in media.
The Film Has Many Aspects That Have Been Seen in the Real World
There have been many cases where a neighbor’s vigilance or simply their security camera has played a pivotal role in cracking open an investigation and solving serious crimes. One such example is the case of Mollie Tibbetts, a 20-year-old University of Iowa student who disappeared on July 18, 2018, while out for a run in Brooklyn, Iowa. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby home, which showed a black Chevy Malibu following her route. This led police to Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who eventually led authorities to Tibbetts’ body in a cornfield. In August 2021, Rivera was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
While ‘Safe Room’ is not based on a true story, it draws from the realities that mirror headlines we’ve all seen. The film taps into real-world fears surrounding home invasions, the misuse of surveillance technology, and the unsettling ways predators can target vulnerable individuals. Its story echoes actual cases where intruders exploited knowledge of a victim’s home layout or used hidden cameras to monitor movements. By blending these factual elements, it brings forward an experience that is engaging, cautionary and also heartfelt.
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