Review of The Savages (2007) by Stephanie D — 09 Jan 2009

Interesting but not your standard movie fare. The Savages takes a sometimes unflattering, very realistic look into the emotionally devoid existences of two siblings, Jon & Wendy, who shared an apparently traumatic childhood, and are unexpectedly called upon to come take charge of their mentally failing, elderly father.

During the course of his ever-declining health the siblings sometimes argue fiercely about him but both, in their own way, continue to see to their father's care. Though never does this father show appreciation or gratitude during his brief lucid moments, yet does seem to realize during one that he has only reaped what he sowed. It's a difficult, sad movie to watch and I'm unsure whether to recommend to the average viewer.

This hasn't any Hollywood flash or slick feel. It's almost too real, too raw, I guess. But if you appreciate that in a film, you'll like this, I did. I give it a B+.