Savage House, a period romp set in the bewigged and be-poxed 18th century, is a watchable affair thanks to the stellar performances of Claire Foy and Richard E Grant. The film, written and directed by Peter Glanz, is a visually striking but narratively one-dimensional exploration of social aspirations and the consequences of ambition. Foy and Grant play Sir Chauncey and Lady Savage, a couple living in a vast, crumbling country estate. Sir Chauncey is a parvenu, an adventurer who has married for money and taken his wife's noble name. Lady Savage, initially entranced by his roguish ways, is now having an affair with the footman, Halifax, while Sir Chauncey carries on with the maid, Dorothy. The film's central conflict arises when the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire invite themselves for dinner, causing the Savages to embark on a ruinous transformation of their estate to impress their guests. Despite the film's strained narrative, Foy and Grant's performances are a highlight, making the film watchable despite its one-note approach. However, the film's broader implications and deeper questions about social mobility and the consequences of ambition remain underdeveloped, leaving the audience with a superficial understanding of the characters' motivations and the film's central themes.
