Savage House
The brief
Peter Glanz turns 18th century aristocratic decay into a gorgeously nasty costume drama that feels like Barry Lyndon's cruel little brother. Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy tear into their roles as delusional nobles whose pursuit of status becomes increasingly unhinged against a backdrop of disease and political upheaval. The pacing builds dread slowly, letting the period details and social satire marinate before things get properly bloody. Perfect for anyone who loves their historical dramas with a mean streak and thinks The Favourite needed more smallpox.
The verdict
If you love wickedly satirical period pieces with stellar performances and don't mind slow-burn pacing that erupts into violence, this is essential viewing for fans of The Favourite and Barry Lyndon. If you prefer faster-paced dramas or get squeamish about disease and bloody aristocratic nastiness, skip this one for something lighter.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for maximum period drama immersion
- ⚠️ Skip with squeamish viewers
Heads up
- Graphic violence and bloodshed (frequent)
- Historical disease depictions (moderate)
- Dueling scenes with weapons (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Peter Glanz
- Cast
- Richard E. Grant, Claire Foy, Sebastian Armesto, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Dominic Charman, Michael Culkin
Official synopsis
Against the backdrop of 18th century England, a massive pox outbreak, and Jacobite uprising – Sir Chauncey Savage and Lady Savage blindly pursue a better life. It's 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.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Both explore family dynamics amid violence and moral decay in historical settings.
Total runtime: 1h 54m + 2h 01m = 3h 55m
