When Lawson takes Helen hostage, he takes physical liberties by invading her personal space. At one point, he picks her up physically and holds her in his arms. While holding a gun to her side as she drives the car, he leans on her as they pass a police car as if they are physically intimate. At another point he forcibly kisses her several times, angry that she doesn't respond back.

A man is seen murdered, making it obvious the convict is capable of murder. Police fire an automatic weapon at the car they are chasing, cracking the windshield in front. Helen swings a tire armor but misses Lawson's head; they briefly struggle over the gun.

Lawson and Helen both smoke cigarettes together. No alcohol or drugs.

Throughout most of the movie, a man is in danger of being drowned by the incoming tide. A woman is held hostage by an escaped convict who seizes her car, her husband's gun, and is fleeing from a police dragnet.