Entertaining and Possibly Addicting
A private detective with a myriad of mysterious personal problems is hired to take on a murder case in a small town (just 10 people)—a case she may have more connection with than expected.
That’s the set-up for Savage, one of five pilots screening April 26 as part of the SLO International Film Festival’s new category, Episodics. The showcase gives audiences a first look at series that may find their way to a streaming platform in future.
The 32-minute Savage sets up a gritty detective thriller, with some allusions to supernatural and/or horror elements. It may take itself a little too seriously, but it has the pure entertainment value of other shows such as the Netflix streamer You.
Some welcome but sparsely placed bits of humor are pretty funny, but screenwriter Connor Paolo’s dialogue is at times unnatural and the acting overly dramatized. For example, director Josh Bowman has the detective (played by Bridget Regan) swearing an obscene amount. While the character is grieving the loss of her mother, and swearing can work to emphasize a rough-around-the-edges personality, she does it to an almost absurd degree.
Dan Katz’s cinematography is similar to the factory-produced feel of the average Netflix series, especially apparent in the color grading. But that is easily fixed.
As the plot progressed, I became more and more engaged. The characters, at times unrealistic and unlikeably corny, are by no means dull.
While Savage has its weaknesses, it is entertaining and possibly addicting. I can see myself watching future episodes.
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival screening of Savage (World Premiere, 32 minutes, rated PG-13, USA, in English) is scheduled as part of the festival’s Episodics Showcase on Sunday, April 26 at Downtown Centre Cinemas. The showcase includes four other episodics: Dick Bunny, One for the Team, Pour Decisions, and Too Romantic.