The dark new period drama Savage House, featuring stars from The Crown and The Other Bennet Sister, has premiered to early acclaim, with critics hailing it as 'utterly brilliant'. The black comedy, set in the early 18th century, follows Sir Chauncey and Lady Savage, an impoverished aristocratic couple living in a Yorkshire mansion with their daughter Fanny.
Plot and Setting
The debt-ridden Savages are forced to scheme to preserve their wealth and status ahead of a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. They sell family heirlooms and incur further debt to avoid ruin. The synopsis teases: 'Set against the backdrop of 18th century England, a massive Pox outbreak, and Jacobite Uprising - this is a timely and darkly satirical story of Sir Chauncey Savage (Grant) and Lady Savage’s (Foy) blind pursuit of a better life. It is not without a tinge of irony that their family name is the Savages, for this is a Savage House indeed. Filled with duels, decadence, and bloodshed, this is a madcap play on class and power.'
Early Reviews
An Observer review reads: 'There’s something grubbily compelling about this tale of venal people and their doomed pursuit of power.' A Times reviewer adds: 'It’s tragic, moving and quite brilliant.' On Rotten Tomatoes, one critic describes it as 'a gloriously unhinged period romp with Richard E. Grant doing what he does best. Dripping with pomposity and bad decisions in equal measure. Claire Foy matches him perfectly as his equally scheming wife, the two of them clawing at Georgian society while everything falls spectacularly apart. Dark, sharp, and thoroughly savage.'
Another reviewer notes: 'This film is so funny and beautifully shot. The story is not what you expect. It’s quite gross in parts but that adds to the texture of the film and the reality of the time. Richard E Grant gives a career best performance and Claire Foy is hilariously brilliant. This is a must see film.' A viewer adds: 'Richard E. Grant is captivating as usual and it's terrific to see him in a leading role. Claire Foy is a wonderful actress. Visually rich, funny and sad in its reflection of modern society's obsession with relevance.'
One fan exclaims: 'That is an utterly utterly brilliant piece of cinematography!!! Fantastic, darkly funny, engaging, superb storytelling, exquisite little details, like a modern day British Grimms Fairy Tale on steroids - what a great night; we absolutely loved it!'
Cast and Director Insights
Speaking to The Mirror ahead of the premiere, Claire Foy praised director Peter Glanz’s script: 'I had not read anything that made me laugh out loud so much in a long time… or ever. I found it so, so funny. There was searing honesty, followed by ridiculousness, which I find true to life. I loved it. It was so much fun.' She added: 'There is no-one quite like Richard. Richard is an incredible actor and unique person. He was a real pleasure.'
Savage House is now showing in UK cinemas.
