The Savages

Are there two better actors than Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman? In terms of one-off performances, possibly, but for sheer consistency, I doubt it. Watching them bicker and spark off each other is a joy, which is the last thing one would expect from a film about the alarming mental decline of a not-so-loving parent. It's grim subject matter and a topic that is horribly relevant to most people, but rather than being a depressing slog, The Savages leavens the downbeat tone with flashes of biting humour. Sometimes it's tinged with desperation, sometimes it's sarcastic and sometimes it's just bloody hilarious. I defy anyone not to laugh at the "jaw sling" scene. Underneath it all though lurks the dreadful decisions two estranged children have to make about a man who they love almost despite themselves.