A Savage Christmas

"A Savage Christmas" delivers a refreshingly unique take on the holiday film genre. With its blend of modern-day education and heartwarming moments, the writer's concept is both inventive and engaging. From heartfelt emotions to laugh-out-loud humor, this film offers a rollercoaster of feelings that leave audiences craving more. A diverse cast of both seasoned Australian actors and newcomers brings depth and authenticity to the holiday tale. The casting is spot-on, adding depth and authenticity to the characters' journey. "Overall, "A Savage Christmas" is a must-see for those seeking a fresh perspective on seasonal storytelling"

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.

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.