The Savages Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Subtle & credible

Considering the subject matter being dementia of an abusive, estranged, elderly parent & his self absorbed dysfunctional adult son & daughter, I found this film to be interestingly understated & without the usual tear jerking sentimentalism that often accompanies those films dealing with the final days of cruel illness.

I felt this film was more about how Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) & Wendy (Laura Linney) his sister, each dealt with & eventually came to terms with the situation thrust upon them. I though their acting was superb & totally credible, neither over or under playing their roles. Whilst Jon displayed his practical, somewhat skeptical & dour maleness, Wendy's emotions covered guilt, confusion & self esteem in a convincing & very feminine way.

Both benefited from their enforced time together & so a positive future ensued.

I was impressed by the direction of Tamara Jenkins, especially with the natural & subtle way that humour was introduced.

If you like thoughtful films that explore humankind, you will probably enjoy this one.

Thought-provoking

The title might give the wrong impression as to the theme of the film as 'Savages' is the surname of the three main characters. The sad decline of an elderly parent into dementia is an unusual topic for a Hollywood studio to tackle, but one that will have resonance for many of us who have, or have had, elderly parents becoming more and more dependent and requiring institutional care. It's a thought-provoking film with excellent and moving performances.