Is Safety Third Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Safety Third, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary, Adventure landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into “There’s a fine line between being bold and being a dumbass. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Adventure are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "“There’s a fine line between being bold and being a dumbass. And I think Brad did some time on both sides of the line.” Such are the words filmmaker and climber Cedar Wright uses to describe the subject of his new film. Meet Brad Gobright, 27 years old, busboy at a fine dining establishment, dirtbag, college dropout. Gobright’s diet consists of sprinkled donuts, scraps from work, glazed croissants, apple pie, and any and all junk food. And one other thing: Gobright is one of the best and boldest free solo climbers in the sport — who nobody has ever heard of. Safety Third shines the spotlight on Gobright, probably for a shorter moment than he deserves. But it doesn’t matter. His mind is elsewhere, focused on his next free solo."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Brad Gobright delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Taylor Keating is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 30 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Safety Third truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Adventure, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Safety Third explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Taylor Keating respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Safety Third is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Brad Gobright or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Safety Third is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.