Streaming today on Disney+, SAFETY is a based on a true story, one which will touch you and make a lasting impression on your family.
You don’t have to love sports or even know a single thing about football to enjoy this movie. Like so many before it, SAFETY is one of those feel-good sports movies that has a way of moving you like no other genre does. It follows those like The Rookie, Miracle, The Blind Side, and Rudy – all based on true stories and each bringing moments to the screen that bring us all together.
(Disney provided access to an advanced screening of the film. Affiliate links in post where a small commission may be earned at no cost to you for any purchases made.)
Disney+ Safety Movie
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).
Though having received national attention, I was not familiar with the story of Ray McElrathbey. I want you to experience it the way I did and enjoy the storyline with all the ups and downs for yourself. No spoilers here, but I will share a few thoughts about whether or not it’s appropriate for all since it’s on Disney+.
Is Disney+ SAFETY Movie Appropriate for Kids?
Younger kids might not be the best audience unless they are true sports fans and are out of the cartoon phase. If you choose to let your younger kids watch SAFETY, I would suggest watching it with them, but not because there is anything inappropriate (there’s not – and no sexuality despite the setting being a college campus). The reason to watch with your kids (of all ages) is that there are some themes that you might want to discuss with them afterward – family dysfunction, addiction, etc. In fact, I always think it’s important to expose your children to these themes within the confines of home. Get a dialogue going. It’s an education in and of itself.
Despite some challenging themes, the filming of this movie was incredibly mindful of its audience, making it a good, solid movie for families to watch.
So many of the themes are universal and though you might want to write this off as another sports movie, remember, those sports movies are magical for a reason. In fact, there’s not even a lot of “football” in it until the very end. Football is just the setting – or I should say the Clemson University football program.
You will be inspired. Your kids will be inspired. You will walk away ready to not only hug your family, but to challenge your own notion of what family is to you.
Take a look at the trailer for Safety:
Now streaming on Disney+.