User reviews

Other than awards season, Christmas movie Season is my favorite time of year. I was so excited to check out A Savage Christmas since its an Aussie film, with a familiar cast.

I had so much fun with this!!!! Not only does it have one of my favorite holiday movie tropes "surviving Christmas", its also simultaneously hilarious and heartfelt, with two fantastic trans leads. I love being a fly on the wall with this kinda family drama, and mixed with the classic Australian cringey humor made for a great watch. Theres also some cheeky Schitt's Creek vibes which I loved.

An easy and great watch this Christmas!!

I don't normally watch Christmas movies but was interested as this movie has a few well-known actors, and some Colin from Accounts cross-over. A very diverse younger cast, and of the newcomers Rekha Ryan and Ryan Morgan are excellent. I was a big fan of Helen Thomson in Elvis, and she's fantastic in this, she is a great comedic actor. Darren Gilshenan is at his wacky-best and brings the majority of the laughs.

I thought there was some genuinely very funny moments in this - typical Aussie humour whilst also offering a fresh perspective given the trans leads. This movie tries to touch on some important topics, but these moments feel undercooked. I appreciated the trans narrative but it seems to miss the mark if it's trying to be heartfelt or moving. I felt like they were trying pack a lot into 90 mins (gender identity, drug abuse, adoption, alcoholism, gambling etc etc) and didn't manage to quite get there, but I appreciate what the filmmakers were trying to do. It tried to do a bit too much and failed, but ultimately a fun silly movie that's worth a watch.

On the surface, A Savage Christmas is a light-hearted Aussie comedy about the all-too-familiar chaos of Christmas, however its pursuit of deeper subject matter - familial estrangement, identity, privilege and class - provide a challenging balance. So, does this balance translate?

The film observes the reunion of Davina Savage, a recently transitioned trans woman, with her character-filled family, as she struggles to find acceptance while they manage their own personal tribulations. Although amusing in its mayhem, the audience is left unfulfilled by unresolved storylines as a product of the film's pace. Newcomers Thea Ravenau (Davina) and Rekha Ryan (Leia), in particular show potential as the subjects of more emotional moments throughout the film, however this is stifled by cuts to poorly timed interruptions and jokes, or abruptly segued scenes.

Overall, the film's mission to provide comedic relief overpowers the complexity of its more delicate and resonant themes. With an extra 20 mins of footage, A Savage Christmas had the potential to be both "savage" and thoughtful.

This was such a great film. I thought it was cast brilliantly and the storyline was a really fun, funny and it was a chaotic family Christmas.

Highlights are definitely mum Brenda, played by Helen Thomson. Her facial expressions thoughout the film had me laughing.

Loved seeing two trans leads who did a brilliant job. Also loved seeing Rachel Griffiths and Gary Sweet pop up.

It's a really good movie that doesn't play to much on your emotions, I did cry but they were happy tears. It's an easy to follow storyline and the mix of different characters means you absolutely can relate to one or more of the characters.

In this uproarious Australian comedy, "Swinging Safari" collides with the irreverent humour of "Schitt's Creek," creating a cinematic experience that's nothing short of a riot. A diverse and talented ensemble cast takes center stage, uniting to celebrate Christmas in a way that's hilariously disastrous. With unexpected twists and turns at every corner, this festive gathering quickly devolves into chaos.

One standout performance comes from Brenda, played by a brilliant actress who channels the whimsical energy of Moira Rose from "Schitt's Creek." Her portrayal is a true highlight of the film, bringing charisma and eccentricity to the screen.

Throughout the movie, you'll find yourself in moments of delightful cringe, as well as bursts of slapstick comedy that will have you in stitches. The belly laughs are plentiful, ensuring that you won't be able to contain your amusement. But amidst all the chaos, there are also touching moments that add depth and heart to the story, reminding us that even in the midst of pandemonium, the spirit of togetherness and love can prevail.

This classic Aussie comedy is a rollercoaster of absurdity, showcasing the best of Australian humor while delivering a Christmas celebration like no other. A must-see for anyone looking to escape into a world of hilarity and heartwarming chaos. Too.

This movie is hilarious. I loved all the different family members and how much like my Aussie Christmas this is. Something for everyone to relate to and we were pissing ourselves the whole way through, the whole cinema was.

Its hard to pick a favourite character but I thought Brenda was a lot like some Mums I know and the Dad was like a lot of Dads. I could relate to the kids and their struggles and it was really funny having the crazy Uncle in there too.

My partner said the music is stuck in head now too and their favourite character was Jimmy who's raps are awesome.

Make sure to stay to the end as theres a surprise in the credits!!

Finally something to really laugh about!

There is nothing like a good old, dysfunctional Aussie Christmas!!

This movie is replacing my previous favourite Christmas movie (Chevy Chases National Lampoons - Christmas Vacation).

The characters were all amazing! Someone for everyone to relate to. It's hard to choose a favourite as everyone was great but I enjoyed Brenda, Jimmy and Peter a lot. My family should all look forward to a Jimmy inspired home made carved vegetable gift this year!

A hilarious comedy with just the right amount of sentimentality.

Add this to your Christmas wish list this year.

Five Stars!

Omg this is a trip well worth taking! . It is soooooooo funny but definitely not one for the kiddies! Or for religious bigots. It is quintessentially Australian and if you know anything about Australians you know they are not afraid to drop a few swear words and are expert at making movies like no-one else does. "A Savage Christmas" is in a class of its own in terms of pushing the envelope! Reminiscent of the dysfunctional family in an older film which was also brilliant, "Home from the holidays", the Savage family are utterly chaotic in the way they relate to each other. It's also so refreshing to see Trans characters included in a family film, as they should be, because they all have families and they are the pivotal characters around which this completely crazed bunch learn how to really be a family.

It's not preachy in any way but right wing conservatives will have their chicken feathers flapping at full speed if they venture into a cinema to watch this marvellous film. They'd be better off packing their bags for the Rapture!

If you want a movie that will make you laugh from beginning to end, "A Savage Christmas" should be right up your alley. It's hilariously uplifting! Highly recommended!

Thoroughly enjoyed this new Aussie classic and have watched it twice already. The blunt sensitivity/empathetic savagery of the writing is outstanding. The camera loves each of the actors - Max Jahufer was a stand-out for me - and the film showcases each character beautifully as well as the tight, convincing ensemble playing. The pace is perfect to build and sustain tension that keeps the viewer in a similar state to the characters. Anyone who has ever attended their own or a friend's/partner's tense family Christmas will both love and loathe this deliciously accurate suspended state of tension, broken by the omfg laugh out loud moments. To me, this feels like a slow burn movie - like The Castle - which will come to be more widely known, appreciated and enjoyed over time.

Just watched A Savage Christmas on a friend's recommendation and I must say I was pleasantly surprised! Imagine your own family's chaos during the holidays, then crank it up a notch. It's a hilarious rollercoaster of laughter, awkward moments, and love.

The characters feel like your actual relatives, and you can't help but connect with their quirks. The storyline is heartwarming, and the jokes are spot-on. There are lots of LOL moments and some genuinely emotional ones.

This one is the perfect festive pick-me-up. If you've ever had a wacky holiday gathering, you'll totally get it. Highly recommend for a jolly good time!

"A Savage Christmas" delivers a refreshingly unique take on the holiday film genre. With its blend of modern-day education and heartwarming moments, the writer's concept is both inventive and engaging. From heartfelt emotions to laugh-out-loud humor, this film offers a rollercoaster of feelings that leave audiences craving more. A diverse cast of both seasoned Australian actors and newcomers brings depth and authenticity to the holiday tale. The casting is spot-on, adding depth and authenticity to the characters' journey. "Overall, "A Savage Christmas" is a must-see for those seeking a fresh perspective on seasonal storytelling"

Traditionally in December my family watch a plethora of Xmas movies. They usually come from the US and depict snow, eggnog, and a whole bunch of other stuff that has nothing to do with how we experience Xmas in Australia. So I was so excited this year that we got to watch an Aussie take on the Xmas movie while we digested our Xmas day seafood buffet. Heat, pools, backyard footy, and distinctly Australian characters allowed us to have a laugh at ourselves and the way we handle love, family and conflict. Congratulations to a predominantly Queensland cast and crew for gifting us some Xmas magic Aussie style. Special congratulations to Director Madeleine Dyer for finding a lovely balance between the performances of contemporary issues and old school Xmas cheer.

When going into watching this, I wasnt too sure the premise would appeal to my sense of humor. I also thought the subject matter of certian things would be in your face much like most hollywood films are these days.

But i was very pleasently surprised to not experience that at all.

This was a very grounded, story, relateable charactors and suburbly directed cast.

A standout for me was both David Roberts for his father protrayal and his brillant acting of convaying trying to hold emotions but still managing to let them slip out.

And Darren Gilshenan for his unsuspecting comedic antics that had me laugh and the randomist of moments.

A well told and rounded story for an aussie indie budget that tells a wonderful 'dealing with life' story i think alot of people can relate to in this current era.

Certinally recommend a watch if you are after a new-age aussie comedy.

Such great basic premise done exceptionally well! As the day plays out throughout the movie you become more and more attached to these characters, becoming completely invested in their past and their present life. This movie cuts deep into so many different issues that are common in today's society and looks at these issuers from both ends of the spectrum. The comedy gives the movie more heart and soul on this all too familiar day of a broken family coming together to celebrate Christmas.

It's very easy to fall in love with all of the Savage's. Hopefully we get an invite to their house again!