Review of The Savages (2007) by Christine D — 16 Sep 2008

Sometimes children never grow up, even when they become parents. Maybe the Savages lack of offspring is because they had an unpleasant childhood of their own. Or maybe they believe they will make awful parents, like their own father. Ignoring psychology altogether, maybe they really just don't want them; life is theirs, it's great, why would they want to share it?

Ah but the last suggestion isn't really true, as this understated drama, written and directed by Tamara Jenkins illustrates. Wendy and Jon Savage strive for independence, but it's really about impressing their emotionally-detached father. We know they feel lonely because they do share their lives, whether it be with a married man, a refugee or a welcome pet; it is in an unorthodox and uncommitted fashion, but they have that human need to feel a connection.

Wendy and Jon, masterfully portrayed by the two brilliant actors Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, are suddenly re-united when their father starts writing on walls with his own excrement. He is suffering from dementia, and needs to be re-homed. Jon finds a glum-looking care home, but Wendy opts for the more pleasant 'assisted-living' option. Sibling rivalry is immediately re-ignited, and what makes 'The Savages' a pleasure to watch is observing these two distinct yet quite familiar personalities try to get one over on each other. Linney brings out Wendy's uncertainty and eagerness to please, Hoffman highlights Jon's emotional scars and need to feel superior, and both achieve realistic portrayals with a sensitive poignancy. Acting doesn't get much better.

'The Savages' has been described as a black comedy, but the film is hilarious in the awkward dialogue and situations the characters stumble into, rather than raucous jokes and one-liners. I would dread finding myself in any of the Savages painfully uncomfortable predicaments, but from an objective viewpoint you cannot help to stifle laughter.

Jenkins insists on a rather prolonged closure, but the picture ends on just the right note; optimistic, certain and true. The film initally seems an observation of family and relationship dynamics, but really it is about moving on from past conflicts and finding resolve in our own lives. Sometimes, however difficult, there is the need to accept people will never change, and an overload of guilt does little to help matters.

'The Savages' is drenched in pathos and realism, and is all about the two leading characters. It is bleak yet uplifting, and in a strangely honest way, life affirming. It doesn't seem so on the surface, but Jenkins is basically telling the audience to get on with living and stop worrying about the miniscule. Easier said than done, but in this world of organisation and routine, she has a point.