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!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this new Aussie classic and have watched it twice already. The blunt sensitivity/empathetic savagery of the writing is outstanding. The camera loves each of the actors - Max Jahufer was a stand-out for me - and the film showcases each character beautifully as well as the tight, convincing ensemble playing. The pace is perfect to build and sustain tension that keeps the viewer in a similar state to the characters. Anyone who has ever attended their own or a friend's/partner's tense family Christmas will both love and loathe this deliciously accurate suspended state of tension, broken by the omfg laugh out loud moments. To me, this feels like a slow burn movie - like The Castle - which will come to be more widely known, appreciated and enjoyed over time.

Finally something to really laugh about!

There is nothing like a good old, dysfunctional Aussie Christmas!!

This movie is replacing my previous favourite Christmas movie (Chevy Chases National Lampoons - Christmas Vacation).

The characters were all amazing! Someone for everyone to relate to. It's hard to choose a favourite as everyone was great but I enjoyed Brenda, Jimmy and Peter a lot. My family should all look forward to a Jimmy inspired home made carved vegetable gift this year!

A hilarious comedy with just the right amount of sentimentality.

Add this to your Christmas wish list this year.

Five Stars!

This was such a great film. I thought it was cast brilliantly and the storyline was a really fun, funny and it was a chaotic family Christmas.

Highlights are definitely mum Brenda, played by Helen Thomson. Her facial expressions thoughout the film had me laughing.

Loved seeing two trans leads who did a brilliant job. Also loved seeing Rachel Griffiths and Gary Sweet pop up.

It's a really good movie that doesn't play to much on your emotions, I did cry but they were happy tears. It's an easy to follow storyline and the mix of different characters means you absolutely can relate to one or more of the characters.