Disney Plus has been hitting it out of the park lately with their series and original films. Last week I shared about an instant family hit with Godmothered, and I’m excited to share about their new original film Safety that reminds us that family can be anywhere. Safety is the powerful true story of Clemson University football player Raymond McElrathbey (played by Jay Reeves) who during his freshman year secretly brought his younger brother Fahmarr ( Thaddeus Mixson) on campus to take care of him due to family issues back home in Atlanta. Raymond learns how to navigate the struggle of managing his academics, football, social life, and being a brother/parent. Because of the university’s policy of not allowing guests in the resident’s halls, Raymond has to sneak his brother around campus. It is really amusing to watch the creative ways Ray and his roommate sneak Fahmarr around their Dorm and right under the nose of the Resident Assistant.
If you are a sports fan you will love the sports scenes in the movie. Disney does a wonderful job of bringing Death Valley to life as the stadium is rocking for the football game scenes in the movie. Along with football and following the antics of Fahmarr being moved around campus there is also a love story that brews between Raymond and Kaycee who is portrayed by comedy and actor legend Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corrine Foxx. Set in 2006 the music is as festive as the movie, hearing sounds of everything from TI to Lauren Hill Safety does a great job of portraying the era complete with oversized button-up shirts and baggy jeans.
Even with football, fun, and romance at the heart of this story is a story about family. The relationship between the brothers shows an unbreakable bond as Raymond braves possibly losing his scholarship to keep Fahmarr on campus. Another part of the story I like is the bond between Ray, the community, the university, and the football team. Once Ray informs the coaches of his struggles the coaches spring into action providing help to the brothers. His teammates along with his girlfriend Kaycee help Fahmarr as he struggles with the differences between urban life in Atlanta and suburban life in Clemson.
You will love to watch this story about family as they bond and grow together by helping give Fahmarr a better life. As usual, Disney lends its magic to making this story even more amazing and heart touching. It is a true portrait of the values of being your brother’s keeper. During this holiday season where family and taking care of those less fortunate are so, important Safety delivers a great movie that you and your family will love.
About Safety
“Safety” is a drama inspired by the empowering story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson).
