Escape from Safehaven (1988)

Escape from Safehaven has been lurking on my watchlist for years, a relic from the direct-to-video era of ’80s indie cinema. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this low-budget gem seems to have bypassed a worldwide release, and despite my extensive searching, I’ve never come across a UK version. However, it recently surfaced on a streaming site, albeit in a rather unloved, VHS-quality transfer.

Billed as a post-apocalyptic adventure in the vein of Mad Max, Escape from Safehaven is, more accurately, a POW escape movie with a light dystopian backdrop. The film opens strong, utilising a few minutes of exterior footage showcasing the run-down Bronx of the early ’80s. Here, a family seeks refuge in a supposed safe house known as Safehaven. Their hope quickly turns to horror as they discover Safehaven is ruled by sadistic savages, transforming their sanctuary into a prison from which they must escape.

The initial promise of adventure in New York’s infamous urban decay quickly shifts as the film moves into Safehaven itself, which strongly resembles an abandoned university campus building. The remainder of the movie is set almost entirely within its claustrophobic corridors, with only a brief reprieve on a rooftop. Keeping things spicy, the film also injects a fairly large dose of nudity by way of exotic dancers led by the ever reliable Jessica Dublin.

The cast, despite a clunky script, gives it their all, and some performances are surprisingly good. While there’s certainly a fair share of hammy acting and poorly arranged choreography, moments of genuine quality shine through. The action sequences, for instance, are quite punchy, benefiting from quick, sharp editing that cleverly masks budgetary limitations. A quick flash of a beheading, accompanied by a clear and impactful sound effect, proves more effective than similar scenes in many bigger-budget productions.

This film’s low budget is evident, and I admire the sheer effort involved in bringing it to fruition. However, the music is a significant drawback. Initially, I was impressed by the raw sound design; the authentic buzz of extras around the principal actors creates a realistic atmosphere. Without music, the film sounds quite authentic, but then the soundtrack kicks in and unfortunately ruins the vibe, sounding a step down from even elevator music.

At its heart, Escape from Safehaven has noble intentions, but it struggles to sustain interest for its entire runtime, and would have benefited greatly from a less claustrophobic location for its second act. Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of the genre, it’s still worth a watch. There are flashes of brilliance throughout, and the main plot offers a fairly unique take on the post-apocalyptic theme. While Escape from Safehaven clearly draws influences from Mad Max, it avoids outright imitation, setting it apart from films like Interzone and Land of Doom.

Have you seen Escape from Safehaven, or are there other obscure ’80s direct-to-video films you’d recommend?

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