A Savage Christmas

On the surface, A Savage Christmas is a light-hearted Aussie comedy about the all-too-familiar chaos of Christmas, however its pursuit of deeper subject matter - familial estrangement, identity, privilege and class - provide a challenging balance. So, does this balance translate?

The film observes the reunion of Davina Savage, a recently transitioned trans woman, with her character-filled family, as she struggles to find acceptance while they manage their own personal tribulations. Although amusing in its mayhem, the audience is left unfulfilled by unresolved storylines as a product of the film's pace. Newcomers Thea Ravenau (Davina) and Rekha Ryan (Leia), in particular show potential as the subjects of more emotional moments throughout the film, however this is stifled by cuts to poorly timed interruptions and jokes, or abruptly segued scenes.

Overall, the film's mission to provide comedic relief overpowers the complexity of its more delicate and resonant themes. With an extra 20 mins of footage, A Savage Christmas had the potential to be both "savage" and thoughtful.

This movie is hilarious. I loved all the different family members and how much like my Aussie Christmas this is. Something for everyone to relate to and we were pissing ourselves the whole way through, the whole cinema was.

Its hard to pick a favourite character but I thought Brenda was a lot like some Mums I know and the Dad was like a lot of Dads. I could relate to the kids and their struggles and it was really funny having the crazy Uncle in there too.

My partner said the music is stuck in head now too and their favourite character was Jimmy who's raps are awesome.

Make sure to stay to the end as theres a surprise in the credits!!

When going into watching this, I wasnt too sure the premise would appeal to my sense of humor. I also thought the subject matter of certian things would be in your face much like most hollywood films are these days.

But i was very pleasently surprised to not experience that at all.

This was a very grounded, story, relateable charactors and suburbly directed cast.

A standout for me was both David Roberts for his father protrayal and his brillant acting of convaying trying to hold emotions but still managing to let them slip out.

And Darren Gilshenan for his unsuspecting comedic antics that had me laugh and the randomist of moments.

A well told and rounded story for an aussie indie budget that tells a wonderful 'dealing with life' story i think alot of people can relate to in this current era.

Certinally recommend a watch if you are after a new-age aussie comedy.

I don't normally watch Christmas movies but was interested as this movie has a few well-known actors, and some Colin from Accounts cross-over. A very diverse younger cast, and of the newcomers Rekha Ryan and Ryan Morgan are excellent. I was a big fan of Helen Thomson in Elvis, and she's fantastic in this, she is a great comedic actor. Darren Gilshenan is at his wacky-best and brings the majority of the laughs.

I thought there was some genuinely very funny moments in this - typical Aussie humour whilst also offering a fresh perspective given the trans leads. This movie tries to touch on some important topics, but these moments feel undercooked. I appreciated the trans narrative but it seems to miss the mark if it's trying to be heartfelt or moving. I felt like they were trying pack a lot into 90 mins (gender identity, drug abuse, adoption, alcoholism, gambling etc etc) and didn't manage to quite get there, but I appreciate what the filmmakers were trying to do. It tried to do a bit too much and failed, but ultimately a fun silly movie that's worth a watch.

Other than awards season, Christmas movie Season is my favorite time of year. I was so excited to check out A Savage Christmas since its an Aussie film, with a familiar cast.

I had so much fun with this!!!! Not only does it have one of my favorite holiday movie tropes "surviving Christmas", its also simultaneously hilarious and heartfelt, with two fantastic trans leads. I love being a fly on the wall with this kinda family drama, and mixed with the classic Australian cringey humor made for a great watch. Theres also some cheeky Schitt's Creek vibes which I loved.

An easy and great watch this Christmas!!