See more movie reviews

Savage Grace (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Not-for-kids drama is showcase for Julianne Moore.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this very mature indie film, which is based on a true story, is steeped in amoral and sexual behavior among the idle rich -- culminating in a sexual relationship between a mother and her son. The movie unflinchingly depicts raw, uncomfortable moments of sexual behavior and contains nudity (including full-frontal female), same-sex encounters, implied underage sex, and more. There's also plenty of language, and some violence, as well as drinking, smoking, and drug use. Teens who know star Julianne Moore's terrific acting work from bigger films like Children of Men and The Hours may be intrigued to see her here, but it's an edgy, uncomfortable film that's definitely not meant for kids of any age.

Positive messages: The idle rich discuss hypothetical actions for $10 million -- eating human flesh, sleeping with a friend. Much is made of the differences between the well-off and the less-fortunate. A character quotes their great-grandfather's axiom that "One of the uses of money is that it allows one not to live with the consequences of our mistakes." Many sexual taboos are violated heedlessly and eagerly (including a woman who has a sexual relationship with her own son).
Violence: Guns are fired; viewers see the aftermath of a suicide attempt, including bloody wounds; a character is fatally stabbed.
Sex: Lots of graphic discussion of sex, and extensive male and female nudity (including full-frontal female). Moore's character actively seeks out random encounters with strangers and is seen in lingerie; in one scene, her hand is shown on a partner's pants fly as she prepares to manually stimulate him (the actual act isn't shown on screen). There's rough (albeit consensual) sex; same-sex encounters between consenting adults, extended scenes of sexual activity and orgasm. An experimental sexual act between two underage boys is implied, and a three-person sexual encounter is seen when Moore's character begins a sexual relationship with her own son.
Language: Language includes "f--k" and "f--king," "tits," "ass," (in both English and French), "c--ks," "s--t," "whore," "c--t," "come," and more.
Consumerism: Brands like Chanel are mentioned, and there's extensive discussion of "Bakelite," the first synthetic material (and the source of the Baekeland fortune).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Lots of period-accurate cigarette smoking, plus cigar smoking, marijuana use, constant drinking and discussion of hangovers, etc. A supporting character smuggles hashish; another character abuses sleeping aids as part of a suicide attempt.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Savage Grace

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether the Baekeland family's power and privilege mean they don't have to follow conventional rules of society. Is it true that the rich are different? Is that a good thing? How do movies and TV shows tend to depict the wealthy? Do you think they're like that in real life? Families can also discuss what a film like this -- with its tough subject matter and unflinching discussion of sexual behavior -- is trying to do. Is the film an exploration of real human behavior or a salacious tale of sex and death intended for shock value?

What's the story?

What's the story?
SAVAGE GRACE tells the true story of the wealthy Baekeland family's rise and fall, following the relationship between British plastics heir Brooks Baekeland (Stephen Dillane), his American wife Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore), and their son, Antony (Eddie Redmayne). As the cracks between Brooks and Barbara widen, shattering their marriage, Antony becomes his mother's best friend, confidant, and ... lover. It's a desperate kind of consolation, and it can't stand for long.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
At first glance -- as the privileged-but-miserable Baekelands feud, fuss, and fight in their marriage, with ugly words spoken in beautiful rooms -- Savage Grace seems like a big-screen version of one of those guilty-pleasure tales of globe-trotting, bed-hopping, and bad behavior among the wealthy that you find tucked near the back of every issue of Vanity Fair. As the film unfolds, it becomes less of a movie (we know how things are going to turn out, after all) and more of a showcase for Moore, who's one of America's greatest living actresses.

So while Savage Grace is occasionally hard to watch, Moore keeps you riveted; she can shift between kind care and venomous contempt with razor sharpness, and yet she always makes you believe in Barbara Daly Baekeland as a person. The other cast members are strong (Dillane especially, nailing both the shine of class and the rot of weakness in Brooks Baekeland), but they can't compare to Moore's shining, disturbing, and compelling performance. Director Tom Kalin previously helmed Swoon, which was based on the infamous Leopold and Loeb murders -- another true tale of sexual desire and murderous behavior. Savage Grace is tough to take, but mature viewers who appreciate modern film acting at its finest will want to seek it out just for Moore's performance.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: IFC Entertainment
Director: Tom Kalin
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane
Genre: Drama
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: May 30, 2008
DVD release: December 23, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by James Rocchi
 
 

Review It

 

Review Savage Grace

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

roc2theEDGE
teen, 17 years old
14
 
Good movie,but still not recommended for most teens
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
darkrum29
adult
2
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Mediaman123
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Savage Grace?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines