Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy lead the dark new period drama Savage House, a chaotic 18th-century romp which has already captivated cinema-goers since hitting the big screen on 5 June.

Written and directed by Peter Glanz, the film follows the social-climbing Sir Chauncey Savage and his wife as they attempt to rescue their social status with a lavish feast at their crumbling estate. If you love the raucous debauchery of The Favourite or The Great, this black comedy deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Claire Foy and Richard Grant star in Savage House© Paramount Pictures/Dean Rogers
Claire Foy and Richard Grant star in Savage House

Here is what critics and audiences are saying about it so far.

What is Savage House about?

Set in 18th-century England in the midst of a massive Pox outbreak and the Jacobite Uprising, Savage House is a “timely and darkly satirical” tale of Sir Chauncey Savage and Lady Savage’s “blind pursuit of a better life”.

When a neighbouring estate falls victim to the pox, the couple seize the opportunity to host a feast for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Claire Foy stars in Savage House© Paramount Pictures/Dean Rogers
Claire plays Lady Savage

The synopsis continues: “It is 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, this is a madcap play on class and power.”

What have viewers said about the film?

Taking to social media, viewers hailed the dark comedy as “superb”.

Richard Grant stars in Savage House© Paramount Pictures/Dean Rogers
Richard Grant portrays the social-climbing Sir Chauncey Savage

One person penned: “Just back from watching #SavageHouse. Certainly one the strangest films, funny, compelling, mad. Typical #RichardEGrant who was superb!” while another described it as a “seriously dark and squalid comedy”.

What’s the verdict from film critics?

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with The Guardian handing out three stars, noting that the “leads are the most watchable thing in this raucous period yarn”. Meanwhile, The Times said the film lacked substance, despite Claire Foy’s “blistering” performance.

Who stars in Savage House?

Claire Foy (The Crown) leads the cast as Lady Savage, alongside Richard E. Grant (Downton Abbey) as Sir Chauncey Savage.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Bel Powley attends the Charles Finch & Chanel Pre-BAFTA Party at 5 Hertford Street on February 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im
Bel Powley also stars in the film

They’re joined by Kíla Lord Cassidy (The Wonder) as Fanny Savage, Bel Powley (The Morning Show) as Dorothy Neville and Jack Farthing (Poldark) as Reginald Halifax.

Richard McCabe (Wallander), Vicki Pepperdine (The Windsors), Pip Torrens (The Crown) and Miles Jupp (Belgravia: The Next Chapter) also star.

Savage House is playing in cinemas now.

SOURCE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/906329/downton-abbey-star-seriously-dark-period-drama-savage-house/