The Savages

Written and Directed by Tamara Jenkins

Sometimes the stars are just aligned correctly.  The Savages is a blessed film.  From writer/Director Tamara Jenkins comes a quirky and funny film about watching your parents die.  This is her first film since her 1998 debut “Slums Of Beverly Hills”.  I have often wondered when we would see more of her work.  Well let me say it has been well worth the wait.  The Savages is a brilliant film with effortless acting by Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Philip Bosco. 

Wendy Savage (Linney) is a struggling unpublished playwright living in NYC, doing temp work and having an affair with a married unavailable man.  John Savage (Hoffman) is a college professor in upstate NY writing a book on Brecht and saying goodbye to his girlfriend who is being deported.  Both of them keep their hands firmly out in front of them so they never have to truly get involved, or commit to anything.  Their worlds come to a complete eclipse when they discover they have to go and take care of their father (Philip Bosco).  One gets the assumption they have not seen or spoke to him in years.  And they are ill equipped to deal with the needs of an elderly man who is suffering from dementia. They place their father in a nursing home and come to forgive him and themselves.  What is amazing about this film is it’s humor, wit and honesty.  The journey that each of these characters take is a masterclass in acting.  These three powerhouses of talent are just amazing to watch.

Laura Linney, once again brings a performance that is without par.  Proving why she is the go to girl for Indie Film.  Philip Seymour Hoffman is as always raising the bar for every other male actor.  And Philip Bosco brings such an amazing performance to the screen that if he is not nominated for supporting actor awards from everyone, it is robbery!!

Congratulations to an amazing cast and the wonderful Tamara Jenkins for once again bringing to life a family that we will all be better for knowing.

Kristoffer