Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is only a few weeks away, although those who pre-purchase the Ultimate Edition will gain advanced access two weeks ahead of the full release. Since Double Exposure was announced at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, fans have been eager to see how this new entry in the franchise will unfold. As a direct sequel to 2015’s Life is Strange, this excitement is understandable, especially since some may have thought Max Caulfield’s story had already reached its conclusion.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure brings Max back as the protagonist, set years after the events in Arcadia Bay. With a new school, a new location, and new friends, players may be curious about the unfamiliar faces she’s met. Safiya and Moses, in particular, may capture their interest.
Examining Max Caulfield’s Latest Relationships
The Significance of Safiya in Double Exposure’s Narrative
Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad, more commonly referred to as Safi, is Max’s closest friend at Caledon University. Located in Vermont, this prestigious Arts and Science college is headed by Safi’s mother, Dr. Yasmin Fayyad, the university’s first female president. Despite this theory being unconfirmed, some believe Yasmin is a fan of Max’s photography and played a role in recruiting her to the school. Max hinted at this in the Double Exposure Gameplay Reveal, mentioning that Yasmin took a chance on her when she “was in a bad place.”
Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad is Max’s closest friend at Caledon University.
Promotional videos portray Safi as an aspiring poet and a friendly individual who is making great efforts to help Max come out of her shell, although the reasons for their relationship may not be directly linked to her mother. Tragically, after a snowy night spent stargazing on a balcony with Max and Moses, she is found dead on a bench, having been shot. This chain of events triggers Max’s newfound interdimensional power as she aims to prevent Safi’s death while also attempting to find the murderer. Notably, this incident closely parallels the dark ending of Life is Strange, where Max does everything she can to protect Chloe Price until players are ultimately faced with the choice between saving Arcadia Bay or Chloe.
Moses Murphy’s Role in Max Caulfield’s Life
Details about how Moses Murphy fits into Max’s life are limited, but it appears Safi introduced Max to him. What is known so far is that Dr. Fayyad recruited Moses to Caledon University, even though he initially had doubts about the school. According to the Life is Strange YouTube channel, Safi quickly befriended him and assuaged his worries by demonstrating that she understood his needs. Though the two have very different fields of interest, with Moses being an astrophysicist, they eventually forged a strong bond. He currently has an office on campus.
Moses is a visibly nerdy individual who is unapologetically passionate about games, sci-fi, manga, and anime. He even owns a large telescope and a variety of action figures. Some fans have pointed out similarities between Moses and Warren Graham, Max’s friend and potential love interest from the original game, depending on player choices.
In the Extended Gameplay Footage from June 13, Moses is present and understandably devastated when Max discovers Safi’s body. However, his inquisitive nature and extensive knowledge of science could make him a valuable ally in helping Max understand her supernatural powers. As the game progresses, players will encounter two distinct versions of Moses, one who is grieving Safi’s death and another who is celebrating the holidays in a parallel world where she is still alive.
