The Savages

The Savages is an emotional roller coaster that deftly manages to incorporate humor and heartache into its thought-provoking plot. Released in 2007, the film was directed by Tamara Jenkins and features a star-studded cast including Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Philip Bosco. The movie delves into the complexities of the sibling relationship, as well as the profound dilemmas related to aging and death. It expertly handles these challenging topics with a poignant and unflinching honesty.

At the epicenter of the plot are the Savage siblings, Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Wendy (Laura Linney), who share an estranged relationship with each other and their elderly father, Lenny Savage, wonderfully portrayed by Philip Bosco. However, they are forced to put their differences aside when Lenny starts showing signs of dementia. The film carefully examines the transitions of the Savage siblings from a state of self-service to reluctant caretakers of an ailing parent.

The characters in the movie are well-established and relatable. Jon is a theater professor, working on a book about Bertolt Brecht, and is facing his own set of professional and personal tribulations. On the other hand, Wendy is an aspiring but disappointed playwright who makes locum as a temp and struggles with loneliness and unfulfilled dreams. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney bring impeccable performances that capture the essence and individuality of their characters, thus making them authentic and engaging.

Lenny is drawn with equal measure of reality. Despite his declining health and growing dependence, he retains his grouchy personality. As portrayed by Philip Bosco, Lenny represents an omnipresent character - unloved and unloving - forcing his children to confront their own attitudes towards responsibility, care, and ultimately, mortality.

The geographical transitions and the play of settings are significant narrative devices in the film. We see the lives of the Savages set against the backdrop of sun-bleached Arizona, which contrasts sharply with the biting cold of Buffalo, New York, where most of the story unfolds. The drab of winter encapsulates the grim reality of their lives - of unmet potential and looming existential crises.

Jenkins, the director, uses these settings to elevate the drama, emotion and metaphors in the script. Her compelling visuals are complemented by thought-provoking dialogues, which seem to reflect everyday conversations yet carry a deeper resonance.

Notably, The Savages is not a typical doom-and-gloom story about aging. It is peppered with comedy that offers relief - shrewd one-liners, cheeky observations, and situational humor. However, the comedy doesn't detract from the overall gravity of the situation, rather it adds an element of humanity and relatability.

The Savages is also a commentary on the modern-day institutionalization of the elderly. It offers a glimpse into the varied experiences of senior citizens who are placed under assisted living and how the system often translates into de-personalized and, to some degree, indifferent care. It takes an unflinching look at a topic that society often chooses to overlook – the process of aging and the complexities associated with end-of-life decisions.

Throughout the movie, themes of responsibility, regret, reflection, and reconnection are explored, providing a rich narrative tapestry. The film bares the vulnerabilities of its primary characters, allowing viewers to share their journey and reflect on the very nature of kinship, love, and life.

The Savages is a remarkable piece of cinema that makes audiences confront some of the difficult truths about life. The subtle performances, complemented by a sharp script, paints a compassionate picture of a conventional story – of a family scrambling to keep up with the pressures and shocks life throws at them. It is a sensitive, smart, and stirring film that unfurls the complexities of sibling relationships and takes an unvarnished look at the often uncomfortable but universal issue of aging.