Writer & Director
Sam Kelly

Starring
Jake Ryan, John Tui, Chelsea Preston Crayford and Olly Presling

From the first scenes, this film captivated my interest. Whilst outwardly intimidating, especially in its opening scenes, there were hints of a soft vulnerable underbelly I wished to understand.

The film charts thirty years in the life of Danny. Portraying with sensitivity, the pipeline from abusive childhood and juvenile detention to adult offending. As the film unfolds you cannot but feel a deep sadness for the context of our antihero. Someone that many would write off or despise, portrayed in such a vulnerable, human light.

There were definite nods to the crime/drama genre and other films exploring gang dynamics. Some scenes could have been pulled straight out of Reservoir Dogs and the soundtrack had a particularly Tarantino vibe to it, which is definitely not a bad thing.

While it’s not a bad thing, it is this aspect that I feel detracts from the film a little. Whilst Savage is a stunning piece, grittily edited and beautifully shot, I have to say that the lack of originality was one of its major shortcomings – it just failed to hit that note of being different enough to truly stand out. I felt like I had seen this story before, in fact, I felt like I had seen this story many times before.

But I forgive Sam Kelly, this is his debut feature film, after all.

What did work for this film was the casting and the chemistry between the actors. I believed their connection wholeheartedly. I do have to make a special mention for the young boy, Olly Presling, who played Young Danny. His performance was a total highlight for me. You just wanted to reach into the screen and give him a big hug.

For those of you that like warnings, there are some strongly violent scenes and some adult content which some may find distressing. Watch with caution.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (Strong themes, violence and frequent coarse language)

Trailer
Savage

Moviedoc thanks Madman for providing the screener link to watch and review this film.

Savage is currently screening in selected cinemas nationally (excluding Victoria).

Review by Jemma for Moviedoc

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