Is Safari Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Safari is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Safari Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Safari emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Safari is an American, found footage thriller film, set in South African wild, where animals and poachers rule the land. Unlike standard genre fare, Safari attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Darrell James Roodt, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Thriller elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Safari features a noteworthy lineup led by Kim Argetsinger. Supported by the likes of Carly Bailey and Carl Beukes, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Kim Argetsinger, Carly Bailey, Carl Beukes manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2013 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Safari is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Safari follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 90 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Safari resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Thriller landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.2/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Safari is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Safari is an American, found footage thriller film, set in South African wild, where animals and poachers rule the land. Two worlds collide when Mbali, a young zulu girl, meets an American tourist group who have come to explore and go on safari in South Africa. Things take a wrong turn after the group enter uncharted hunting grounds where they are forced to face the untamed wild.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Safari (2013) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.2/10 and strong performance metrics in the Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Kim Argetsinger, Carly Bailey, Carl Beukes or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Safari is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2013. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Safari Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Safari has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Safari stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Safari movie hit or flop?
Safari has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Safari worth watching?
Safari is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Safari online?
Safari may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Safari is an American, found footage thriller film, set in South African wild, where animals and poachers rule the land. Two worlds collide when Mbali, a young zulu girl, meets an American tourist group who have come to explore and go on safari in South Africa. Things take a wrong turn after the group enter uncharted hunting grounds where they are forced to face the untamed wild.