Aubrey Plaza and Jake Johnson, known for their roles in the hit sitcom Parks and Recreation and the beloved comedy New Girl, respectively, are reuniting in an indie sci-fi comedy. The film, titled Safety Not Guaranteed, was released in 2012 and directed by Colin Trevorrow. While some fans may not be aware of their previous collaboration, Plaza and Johnson showcased their talent in this unique take on time travel.
Safety Not Guaranteed follows the story of Jeff Schwensen, played by Johnson, a journalist at Seattle Magazine. Jeff and a team of interns embark on an investigation into a peculiar newspaper advertisement seeking a time-traveling companion. Plaza’s character, Darius Britt, is chosen to assist Jeff in uncovering the truth behind the advertisement. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that Darius has a personal connection to this investigation.
The movie’s premise was inspired by a real-life phenomenon. In 1997, a magazine published an advertisement almost identical to the one featured in the film. The quirky nature of the advertisement sparked widespread interest, making it a cultural phenomenon. Trevorrow saw potential in turning this intriguing concept into a movie, leading to the creation of Safety Not Guaranteed. The film received critical acclaim upon its release.
Safety Not Guaranteed currently holds an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences praising its cast and the refreshing twist it brings to the time travel genre. Alongside Plaza and Johnson, the movie also features Mark Duplass, Karan Soni, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Kristen Bell.
Aubrey Plaza has made her mark in the entertainment industry through her role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation, while Jake Johnson gained fame as Nick Miller in New Girl. Plaza has also starred in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and The White Lotus, earning critical acclaim for her performances. Johnson’s notable roles include Bojack Horseman, Jurassic World, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
With Safety Not Guaranteed reaffirming their chemistry on-screen, fans hope to see Plaza and Johnson collaborate on future projects. Plaza is set to reprise her role in the upcoming Scott Pilgrim animated series, while Johnson’s return as Spider-Man in the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is highly anticipated.
As Plaza and Johnson continue to captivate audiences with their talent, Safety Not Guaranteed remains a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts. The film’s comedy and unique twist on time travel make it a memorable addition to the genre.