Julianne Hough is not the best actress but I never get tired of watching this one

Much better than expected after reading lots of negative reviews. Cast all shines in character, cinematography is great, locations are really stunning. Well made. The plot, well, okay it is a bit predictable and ending is totally "absurd", but still surprising, hey? But, as a movie, really not deserving of all the bad rap, imo ...

I Love this movie, one of my favorites. I've watched this movie multiple times now and the twist at the ending gets to me every time.

This movie was so much better than I expected! I am caught off guard by all the negative reviews. The plot twists kept this movie very entertaining. Just the plot twist at the end, I still don’t quite understand the necessity of. All in all, a great movie to watch on a girls night.

Safe Haven is classic Nicholas Sparks territory, complete with sweeping romance, small-town charm, and those intense emotional beats that tug on your heartstrings. Yeah, it’s predictable—but in that cozy, familiar way, like a warm blanket on a rainy day. It may not break new ground, but if you’re looking for a romantic thriller with a little extra drama, this one’s got you covered.Julianne Hough plays Katie, a woman on the run with a dark past. She lands in a sleepy North Carolina town where she meets Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widower with two kids and a heart of gold. And here’s the thing: the chemistry between these two is legit. Hough and Duhamel make the romantic tension feel natural, their connection pulling you into the story, especially when their budding relationship starts to feel like Katie’s only shot at a fresh start.But then, boom—the thriller element kicks in, and everything shifts gears. Katie’s abusive husband, Kevin (played with unnerving intensity by David Lyons), tracks her down, and suddenly we’re in a game of cat and mouse. Lyons nails the role of the obsessive, unhinged ex. He’s got this wild-eyed, unpredictable energy that brings a darker, edgier tone to the film. You feel his desperation, his insanity, and it’s both terrifying and effective.What sets Safe Haven apart from other Sparks adaptations is that thriller twist—there’s more than just love in the air. Katie’s past isn’t just something she’s trying to forget; it’s actively hunting her down, and that gives the film a suspenseful edge that keeps you engaged, even when the romance dips into familiar territory. You’re not just waiting for the rain-soaked kiss (though, trust me, it’s there); you’re waiting to see how Katie will finally confront the danger looming over her.The pacing is solid, and visually, the film is stunning. Hallström knows how to capture that Southern charm—lush landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and yes, plenty of those trademark Sparks moments with water-soaked kisses. But when the action scenes hit in the third act, things start to feel a little clunky. The big confrontation between Katie and Kevin? It’s tense, but there’s a Lifetime movie feel to it that’s hard to shake. It’s like they tried to mash up a romantic drama with a thriller, but the pieces don’t always fit together smoothly.Now, about that twist ending—it’s the kind of thing that’ll either have you rolling your eyes or nodding along with a satisfied “Ohhh, I get it.” It’s a surprising turn that feels a little tacked on, almost like they weren’t quite sure how to wrap things up. I mean, does it work? Sure, in a “this is totally a Nicholas Sparks movie” kind of way, but it’s definitely not as mind-blowing as the movie seems to think it is.At its core, Safe Haven is still a heartwarming, sweet story. It deals with some real, heavy issues like domestic abuse, and I give it credit for adding that depth. Katie’s journey from trauma to trust is compelling, and her struggles feel real, even if the overall execution sometimes stumbles. It’s one of those movies that tries to do a lot—romance, mystery, thriller—and while it doesn’t always hit every note perfectly, it’s still an enjoyable ride.If you’re a fan of Sparks’ work, you’ll definitely find something to love here. It’s got all the trademarks: star-crossed lovers, small-town charm, and a happy-sad ending. But for those looking for a bit more grit and less fluff, you might find yourself wishing the movie leaned harder into its darker elements. Still, if you’re looking for an easygoing movie night, Safe Haven delivers—just don’t expect it to break the mold.Verdict? A cozy romantic thriller with some solid performances, even if it sometimes veers into cheesy territory.

Why are abusive ane suicidal relationships romanticozed by nicholas sparks? This should be Rated R and away from childrens reach

This has always been my comfort film, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, love has the power to light the way. It's a celebration of the human spirit and the enduring hope that springs eternal in the human heart. And for me, "Safe Haven" will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me that no matter how tough life gets, love will always find a way to shine through.

"Safe Haven" is a strange movie because I feel like it is a mashup of two completely different movies. One-half of it is a schmaltzy and cheesy romance movie that just gets kind of boring because it feels a bit flat and predictable. On the other hand, there is a mystery thriller element that sets it apart and despite being silly at times, is genuinely kind of fun. I don't think it is fun enough to make me recommend this movie, but it keeps it from being completely terrible. The movie takes some ludicrous turns but I can see how someone might see it as a guilty pleasure. Overall, it is definitely not a good movie, but there are some qualities worth noting, for that, I won't say it is the very worst Nicholas Sparks movie, but it is still near the bottom of my current rankings because I was not invested in the romance much at all.

Conventional love story with a touch of domestic violence. There was a twist at the end which ultimately detracted from the plot and blemished the final moments, though it was supposed to be uplifting. Not one of Lasse Halström's best work.

quality , acting and story is terrible.

Not the best Nicholas sparks film here, it is insane at certain spots, mainly when we find out that the Woman who was believed to be the neighbor is really the ghost of the man's wife here who has been protecting him and seemingly waiting for a woman for him to meet that she agrees on. the lead actors are not a good match, not worth the money to watch it in a theater. sappy, and boring at times. instead of seeing this movie you would be better off re watching the Notebook. maybe they should stop trying to make Sparks books into movies. the book is far more entertaining than this movie, that so desperately wants to be something it is not.

Simply terrible. Wooden acting, predictable plot, obvious directing - watch if you enjoy lame film-making

It was cute and was okay but not a blockbuster by any means

Predictable, corny, generic.

Such a comfort movie - kids are actually entertaining and not annoying like most.

A good movie with a good ending and a tiny surprise that is so dear and heartwarming. Trigger warning, this movie is for the majority of people. If you get angered that insane fringe beliefs or demonic undertones aren't present that don't represent you then you'll hate this and declare it boring, not representative of some minuscule mindset, blah blah. You kind of have to be a good human being to enjoy it if not it will frustrate and upset you with how wholesome it is and how it portrays the middle-of-the-road people who just want to be happy.

Night on the sofa cuddle up with a loved one and buckle up for a romance that has a bit of baddie ex going on. It was never going to win anyone an Oscar but is an OK watch for a couple of hours of your life.

Not bad movie. Good acting

Perfect Date Night Flick for Adults I was expecting this movie to be just another chick-flick romance, but since this film adds thrill and mystery to a typically cheesy genre, I find myself enjoying it a lot more. It is directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who also directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" which is one of my favorite movies. I really enjoy Lasse's style when it comes to scenery and direction, so I find the cinematography in this film to be very beautiful and picturesque. I also enjoy the soundtrack to this movie because it has the perfect balance of sappy romantic melodies, as well as suspenseful pieces to fit the mood of each scene. The one thing that really bothers me about this movie is the end. There is a pretty substantial plot twist in the middle of the movie, but then another one is thrown in at the very last scene. It is completely unnecessary and takes the film from being relatively realistic, to being totally unrealistic. I hate to say this, but it's just dumb. My favorite character is Tierney (David Lyons.) He is a detective who plays a major part in the plot, and he has by far the most convincing performance. Every time he comes on the screen, I get this creepy feeling that he isn't exactly what he seems. The main thing I look for when it comes to acting is whether or not the actors are able to make the audience feel something, and David definitely succeeds. I recommend Safe Haven for audiences ages 13 and up, due to mature content, such as violence and abuse. Ages 13-18 will get the most enjoyment out of it, but it would also be a perfect date night flick for adults. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars, so go check out Safe Haven! Raven Devanney, age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

Perfect Date Night Flick for Adults I was expecting this movie to be just another chick-flick romance, but since this film adds thrill and mystery to a typically cheesy genre, I find myself enjoying it a lot more. It is directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who also directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" which is one of my favorite movies. I really enjoy Lasse's style when it comes to scenery and direction, so I find the cinematography in this film to be very beautiful and picturesque. I also enjoy the soundtrack to this movie because it has the perfect balance of sappy romantic melodies, as well as suspenseful pieces to fit the mood of each scene. The one thing that really bothers me about this movie is the end. There is a pretty substantial plot twist in the middle of the movie, but then another one is thrown in at the very last scene. It is completely unnecessary and takes the film from being relatively realistic, to being totally unrealistic. I hate to say this, but it's just dumb. My favorite character is Tierney (David Lyons.) He is a detective who plays a major part in the plot, and he has by far the most convincing performance. Every time he comes on the screen, I get this creepy feeling that he isn't exactly what he seems. The main thing I look for when it comes to acting is whether or not the actors are able to make the audience feel something, and David definitely succeeds. I recommend Safe Haven for audiences ages 13 and up, due to mature content, such as violence and abuse. Ages 13-18 will get the most enjoyment out of it, but it would also be a perfect date night flick for adults. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars, so go check out Safe Haven! Raven Devanney, age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.