American romantic thriller Safe Haven tugs at the heartstrings and grips audiences with a story of a woman who seems to have something to hide.
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks – the author behind hits such as The Notebook and Dear John – this tearjerker has all the elements of a classic boy meets girl-on-the-run love story.
Julianne Hough stars as Katie, a young woman looking for a new start, who ends up in the small town of Southport, North Carolina.
Katie appears to be on the run from a terrible past that has seen her flee home and is reluctant to confide in the friendly townsfolk about her previous life.
The ease and speed with which Katie rolls into a new community, finds employment and purchases a house may be sickening to some in today’s financial climate, but a perky blonde 20-something can do what she wants in Sparks’ world.
Inevitably Katie finds love where she least expects it in the form of a handsome local shop owner and noble widower Alex (Josh Duhamel).
However her living alone in a secluded forest shack and conscious of police presence in the town doesn’t not make it easy for him to woo her.
Alex is just about as perfect as a widowed father with two children can be, with daughter Lexie striking an instant bond with her dad’s elusive love interest.
There are adorable kids, friendly southerners and an ongoing police investigation to keep tabs on, while Katie’s new neighbour Jo (Cobie Smulders) offers a friendly, but somewhat detached, presence.
Far from plodding aimlessly towards a perfect love affair, Safe Haven builds to a mysterious revelation, just about swerves a clichéd Notebook-style kiss in the rain, and actually provides an engrossing finish.
With Valentine’s Day now a distant memory most males will be confident in avoiding chick flicks, but those not so fortunate shouldn’t forget their hankies.
In predictable Sparks fashion the audience is treated to a sentimental, revering speech which tugs on the heartstrings and could well turn even the most emotionless boyfriend into a blubbering wreck.
Despite the cynical being given an opportunity to claw away at some gaping holes in the plot, Safe Haven does offer a feel-good romantic thriller that should leave most with a satisfied smile beneath the heartfelt tears.
Safe Haven is out in cinemas today.
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Image courtesy of Relativity Media Temple Hill Entertainment via YouTube, with thanks.
