The Savages Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two emotionally stunted siblings must deal with their estranged, demented father, leading to a darkly comedic exploration of family baggage and nursing home bureaucracy.

🍿 The Savages: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Estranged Siblings Face a Crisis

Jon and Wendy Savage, two middle-aged siblings estranged from each other and their difficult father, Lenny, find their lives disrupted when Lenny’s partner dies, and he can no longer care for himself. Wendy, an aspiring playwright in New York City, and Jon, a college professor in Buffalo, must confront their past and present as they grapple with their father’s failing health. Despite their reluctance and unresolved issues with their father, they travel to Arizona to assess the situation. They quickly discover Lenny is suffering from dementia and is unable to live independently, forcing them to take responsibility for his care.

Navigating Care and Personal Demons

The siblings struggle to find a suitable nursing home for Lenny in Buffalo, navigating the complexities of elder care and their own strained relationship. Jon deals with the impending departure of his girlfriend, Kasia, due to visa issues, while Wendy continues a frustrating affair with a married man, Larry. The weight of their father’s condition forces them to confront their personal demons and past traumas. They grapple with feelings of guilt, resentment, and the challenge of providing care for someone who was not always kind to them.

Confronting Mortality and Finding Connection

As Lenny’s condition worsens, Jon and Wendy find themselves spending more time together, rediscovering a bond that had been dormant for years. They begin to understand each other’s perspectives and offer support amidst the emotional turmoil. They find small moments of connection with their father, despite his cognitive decline. The film explores themes of family responsibility, forgiveness, and the universal experience of dealing with aging parents. Ultimately, Jon and Wendy must come to terms with their father’s mortality and find a way to move forward with their own lives, shaped by the shared experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wendy Savage (Laura Linney): A struggling playwright and temp worker in New York City, Wendy grapples with her dysfunctional family and personal insecurities while caring for her ailing father.
• Jon Savage (Philip Seymour Hoffman): A professor and intellectual in Buffalo, Jon faces the complexities of familial responsibility and his own emotional limitations as he reconnects with his estranged father and sister.
• Lenny Savage (Philip Bosco): The abrasive and increasingly demented father of Wendy and Jon, Lenny’s failing health forces his children to confront their strained relationship with him.
• Larry (Peter Friedman): Wendy’s married lover, Larry, represents the unsatisfying and complicated nature of her personal life.
• Kasia (Cara Seymour): Jon’s Polish girlfriend faces visa issues, highlighting the challenges in Jon’s commitment to relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jon Savage: “Dad’s not the one that has a problem with the Valley View. There’s nothing wrong with Dad’s situation. Dad’s situation is fine.” – Jon argues against moving their father, asserting his father is content where he is despite Wendy’s concerns.
• Jon Savage: “These places prey upon…the guilty demographic. The landscaping, the neighborhoods of care; they’re not for the residents, they’re for the relatives.” – Jon cynically describes how nursing homes target the guilt of family members, not the comfort of residents.
• Wendy Savage: “I happen to think it’s nicer here.” – Wendy defends her desire to place their father in a more upscale facility, showing her contrasting view.
• Lenny Savage: “Pull the plug.” – Lenny bluntly states his wishes regarding life support, reflecting his gruff and unsentimental nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9 million
• Domestic Gross: $6.6 million
• Worldwide Gross: $10.7 million

💥 The Savages Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The Savages’ and just feeling completely absorbed in the characters’ lives. The performances by Linney and Hoffman were so raw and real; it felt like I was watching a real family struggle with a difficult situation. The scene where they’re trying to get their dad on the plane was both hilarious and heartbreaking. It really hit home how messy and complicated family relationships can be, but also how important they are. Definitely a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. I appreciated that the film presented this situation with humor, never becoming too bleak, and offered a glimmer of hope.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories.”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring complex family dynamics.”
  • “People interested in themes of aging, mortality, and forgiveness.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to aging and dementia.”
  • “Some coarse language.”
  • “Brief depictions of drug use.”
  • “Adult themes and situations.”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Linney and Hoffman deliver masterful performances in this nuanced drama. The film navigates the complexities of familial obligation with both humor and heart, offering a poignant look at aging and reconciliation.
• The New York Times: “Tamara Jenkins crafts a compelling and deeply human story, elevated by the exceptional chemistry between Linney and Hoffman. ‘The Savages’ is a surprisingly funny and moving portrayal of family dysfunction.
• Los Angeles Times: “A touching, insightful film about family, aging, and responsibility. The superb cast breathes life into these flawed characters, making their struggles both relatable and deeply affecting.

Audience Reactions

The film’s realistic portrayal of sibling dynamics resonated with many viewers.: Viewers appreciated the honest and unflinching look at the challenges of caring for aging parents and coping with past family issues.

The exceptional performances by Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman were consistently praised.: The acting was described as nuanced, authentic, and deeply moving, elevating the film’s emotional impact.

Overall Consensus: A poignant and darkly comedic drama about familial responsibility, ‘The Savages’ is praised for its authentic performances and insightful portrayal of complex family dynamics.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Ensemble Cast)- 2007

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Tamara Jenkins contacted Carter Burwell to score the movie, but he was already committed to ‘No Country for Old Men’ and recommended Stephen Trask instead.”
• “The film explores the challenges of caring for aging parents, a theme that resonates with many viewers, prompting discussions about family responsibility and personal demons.”
• “Laura Linney received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in the film, highlighting the strength of her performance.”
• “The film subtly hints at past abuse suffered by Wendy and Jon, adding depth to their complex relationship with their father.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Savages?

The Savages is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Savages, you might like these similar films:

• You Can Count on Me (2000): Another film starring Laura Linney which focuses on sibling relationships and family dynamics.
• Away From Her (2006): Deals with similar themes of aging, dementia, and the emotional toll on family members.
• The Squid and the Whale (2005): Explores dysfunctional family dynamics and sibling relationships with a similar indie sensibility.
• Nebraska (2013): A road trip movie about a son and his aging father, also dealing with themes of aging and family reconciliation.
• Amour (2012): Deals with aging and caregiving responsibilities with a deep emotional insight.

🛒 The Savages Related Products

• Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Complete Performances: A comprehensive look at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s career, including insightful analysis of his roles and acting techniques. Explore the depth and range of his performances.
• Parenting Our Parents: Transforming the Challenge: Provides practical and emotional support for those caring for aging parents. Includes strategies for navigating complex family dynamics and healthcare decisions, related to the movie.
• Dementia Care Skills for Family Caregivers: Offers a comprehensive guide to caring for individuals with dementia. Includes practical advice and emotional support, offering caregivers valuable insights.
• Personalized Engraved Picture Frame – CaringBridge Theme: This frame can be engraved with a personal message to cherish memories and celebrate family bonds. Great addition for displaying photos from shared life experiences.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Savages features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Don’t Want to Play in Your Yard” – performed by Peggy Lee
• “Theme from A Summer Place” – performed by Percy Faith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Savages movie review

Thinking about watching Savages but unsure? Jeremy Jahns gives a pretty blunt, honest review. He always keeps it real, and his opinion might help you decide if it’s your kind of movie!

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