film - Whats The Show

25 November 2023 Rebecca Yeo

Prepare for things to get savage in the latest Australian Christmas flick from director Madeleine Dyer. In A Savage Christmas, transwoman Davina heads home after three years.

Davina anticipates the spotlight to shine on her transition but is surprised as family secrets and lies come to light. These revelations pose a threat to not only their lives but also to another Christmas lunch. A Savage Christmas is a fun addition to a long list of films centred around Christmas.

In A Savage Christmas, we meet the Savage family. Their Christmas day is set to be much like their last name – Savage! The family get together to celebrate the jolly day over lunch. Each family member brings their own issues that come to light as the day progresses. Can the family mend their relationships, or will this year be their last family Christmas?

The ensemble cast of characters successfully demonstrated believability as a dysfunctional family, each with a unique story. Some well-known actors pop up to add another comedy element to the story. We saw supporting roles from the likes of Gary Sweet as a thug and Rachel Griffith as a doctor.

The film’s writers have crafted a group of eccentric characters in amusing situations with witty dialogue delivered from some new and familiar faces.
Throughout the film, we glimpse the typical Australian humour paired with some important topics such as gender identity and adoption.

At times, almost too many topics were included, unfortunately ensuring that most were only partially explored. It was refreshing, however, to see two trans characters take the lead in this movie.

The final scenes highlight the significance of family and forgiveness, which viewers may recognise as relatable to their own family chaos.

This is not one that I would add to my regular yearly Christmas viewing, but it is a lighthearted flick that provides comedic relief during a busy time of the year and is well worth a viewing.

Check your local cinema for session viewing times.

This review also appears on It’s On The House, with more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.

Paris Memories: A Survivor’s Journey

Prepare for your latest French Film experience – Paris Memories – soon to be showcased in cinemas throughout Australia.

Paris Memories delves into the story of Mia, a survivor of a recent bistro terrorist attack, who grapples with the haunting memories of that dreadful night. To move beyond the trauma, Mia embarks on a journey to retrace her steps and delve into her memories. The film offers an exploration of the aftermath of a catastrophic event, shedding light on the resilience of survivors as they try to rebuild their shattered lives.

Director Alice Winocour draws inspiration from her brother’s personal experience during the Bataclan attack in Paris. After being trapped in a terrorist attack at a bistro in Paris, Mia discovers herself affected by the ordeal. Three months after the event, she begins trying to remember what happened that day but also understands that some parts of her life can’t be fixed.

Virginie Efira’s portrayal of Mia earned her a Cesar award, and rightfully so. She masterfully conveys the multi-layered impact of a terrorist attack on an individual’s mental health. Nastya Carax takes on the role of Felicia, a young woman who tragically lost her parents in the same attack, serving as a reminder of the collateral damage such events inflict.

Mia’s discovery of a survivors’ support group becomes a turning point in her journey to recovery. This unique approach sets the film apart, as it favours witnessing Mia’s memories resurface as she progresses instead of conventional flashbacks. The film illustrates human connections that form among survivors as they collectively grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Paris Memories is a powerful film that will stay with viewers well after the viewing and is not one to be overlooked. Don’t miss the chance to experience it on the big screen starting November 9th. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes. Au revoir!

This review also appears on It’s On The House, or checkout more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews.

Connect Online