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Poster for Savage Grace

Savage Grace

Truth is more shocking than fiction.

2007 · 1h 37m · Not Rated Drama
Directed by Tom Kalin

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Overview

This examination of a famous scandal from the 1970s explores the relationship between Barbara Baekeland and her only son, Antony. Barbara, a lonely social climber unhappily married to the wealthy but remote plastics heir Brooks Baekeland, dotes on Antony, who is homosexual. As Barbara tries to "cure" Antony of his sexuality -- sometimes by seducing him herself -- the groundwork is laid for a murderous tragedy.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
38%
Tomatometer
Fresh

While the pace occasionally flags and there are times when we wonder where Kalin is leading us, he maintains a pervasive sense of dread and unease throughout that makes the chilling climax seem both shocking and inevitable.

Bruce Demara, Toronto Star
Fresh

Though the characters may be repellent, the film permits you to feel sympathy.

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Rotten

It's a horror story, all right, but the reason for telling it remains unclear, and it seems like a waste of Kalin's evident talent.

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh

For that particular someone, Savage Grace could be the perfect summer chiller.ca

Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

If ever there was a film to extinguish any envy of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, Savage Grace is it.

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

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