Savages Review: A Violent, Wild Ride with Unexpected Laughs

Introduction

When Oliver Stone takes the director's chair, audiences brace for impact. His filmography swings wildly from critically acclaimed dramas to polarizing misfires, leaving a palpable anticipation for his next cinematic offering. With Savages, Stone plunges into the sun-drenched, violent world of Southern California's cannabis trade, promising a brutal, no-holds-barred thrill ride. The premise is simple yet potent: two best friends, a laid-back botanist and a hardened ex-soldier, share a lucrative business, a unique love triangle with Blake Lively's character, and an idyllic life that shatters when a ruthless Mexican cartel comes knocking.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The core of Savages rests on the dynamic between its two male leads: Taylor Kitsch as the "soldier type" ready to kick and shoot his way out of trouble, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the "granola hippie botanist" forced to confront the brutal realities of his chosen profession. The film excels in showcasing this transformation, particularly with Taylor-Johnson's character, who must shed his pacifist ideals to retrieve his kidnapped love. This internal conflict, as he grapples with the necessity of violence, proves to be one of the film's most compelling elements.

While Blake Lively is central to the plot, her narrative contribution is a mixed bag. Her voiceovers, intended to set the scene and introduce characters, quickly become a point of contention, pulling the viewer out of the action rather than drawing them in. However, once the film moves past these expository moments, her presence on screen is undeniably captivating. The action sequences themselves are relentless and visceral, with Stone embracing the film's violent nature to enhance the narrative, rather than detract from it.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Savages is packed with scene-stealing performances that elevate the material. Benicio del Toro delivers a chilling portrayal of a soulless Mexican hitman, embodying pure menace with every calculated move. His performance is so effective, it leaves a lasting impression of cold, unadulterated evil. Similarly, John Travolta shines as a DEA agent playing both sides, his signature "Travolta-isms" emerging under stress, providing unexpected moments of dark humor that elicit genuine chuckles. Even Salma Hayek Pinault as the cartel boss commands the screen, demanding attention with her ruthless ambition.

However, the film isn't without its narrative stumbles. Certain plot points and foreshadowing are so overt that they border on predictable, making it difficult for an attentive viewer to miss the impending twists. The reviewer notes that if you don't see them coming, "I have to assume you zoned out for that scene." The biggest point of contention, however, is the ending. What starts as a "really fun movie" takes a sharp turn, leading to a conclusion that feels like a "cheap move" and a "copout," drawing comparisons to the infamous ending of "Mass Effect 3." It's a finale that threatens to undermine much of the goodwill built throughout the preceding runtime.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Oliver Stone leans heavily into the film's violent and stressful atmosphere. Characters are pushed to their breaking points, and the intensity often borders on the absurd, yet it never quite crosses into cartoonish territory. This delicate balance allows for moments of dark humor to emerge from the sheer stress of the situation, particularly through the performances of Del Toro and Travolta. The film's R-rating is fully utilized, with Stone embracing the grittiness and brutality inherent in the story, making the violence a key component of its appeal rather than a gratuitous addition.

The Final Verdict

Despite its narrative missteps, particularly a divisive ending that leaves a sour taste, Savages is undeniably a "strong good time." It's a film that thrives on its high-octane action, compelling performances, and a willingness to embrace its own chaotic energy. While the extreme lifestyle of its protagonists might make them hard to fully identify with, the sheer thrill of watching them "kick ass" is infectious. It's a violent, fun, and cool movie that, for the most part, delivers on its promise of an intense cinematic experience.