Wendy Savage, a struggling playwright, has never really had anything to do with her brother Jon, a college professor and writer. However, they are forced to work together as their aging father becomes senile and must be cared for. Placing their father in a nursing home seems to be the only option they have, and through the process both are forced to face life head on and finally grow up.
Though the story does at times drag, The Savages finishes strong, striking a chord with its core audience.
In a story like The Savages, the acting is the main focus, and luckily for this film, both Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman outdo themselves bring to life the love and conflict of a brother and sister. Their chemistry is perfect as they feed off one another, creating both their individual characters and most importantly bringing to life the relationships that surround them. Linney is amazing, once again proving that she can conquer any role; while Hoffman proves himself as well. Throw in Philip Bosco, who plays the sibling's deranged father and the family triad is complete.
Where there is great acting there is usually a great story, and here is no exception. Though the film is often depressing, it is real. The characters are well presented and relatable; and while the story is off-beat and depressing, it could happen to anyone.
But what I found to be truly shocking was the realistic aspect of the film"¦all the way down to the comedy. All of us have funny instances in our life, nothing "˜slap your knee' funny, but situations or comments that when looked at it from a strangers perspective you would laugh. It is this kind of humor that the film thrives on providing small laughs or smiles that make you appreciate the soft-hearted humor. It doesn't work in every film, but in this one, it works to perfection.
Bringing to life a depressing, yet humoristic and realistic account of the hardships that face a family as it grows older; i>
