While there is plenty of violence and other things you would expect from a gang flick there is also a "softer" side here. That gives the film a realistic feel to it.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 12, 2021

There's nothing novel about this gang movie, but in its rawness it gets the brutality right and makes for a gritty watch.

| Original Score: B- | Feb 4, 2021

... lacks broader insight and ultimately fails to generate sympathy for Danny as he seeks redemption.

| Jan 30, 2021

New Zealand gang drama has brutal violence, swearing, abuse.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 29, 2021

Anchored by natural performances that both soften and harden the edges when called for.

| Jan 29, 2021

A compelling portrait of a Wellington street gang, marred however by the decision to embrace a redemptive dramatic arc that comes across as forced compared to the ultra-realistic backdrop.

| Original Score: C+ | Jan 28, 2021

Emotionally intense with strong performances that overcome the formulaic story.

| Jan 27, 2021

Inspired by street gang history, this isn't just another gang story. Breath stopping moments of cold silence and some excellent performances make this an engrossing watch with some flashes of true brilliance.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 25, 2021

Sam Kelly takes us through the ups and downs of the protagonist's life, all the while giving a powerful message about overcoming the darkest moments of our past.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Jan 25, 2021

The triptych structure is a little fiddly, but Savage is never less than powerful.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 22, 2021

New Zealand's unique brand of gang culture is the backdrop for this thoughtful character drama more interested in exploring the longterm effects of childhood abuse than the broader activities or impact of our street gangs.

| Jan 22, 2021

As a depiction of the damage caused by toxic ideas of masculinity, the film is deeply involving.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 8, 2021

A remarkable feature debut, Sam Kelly demonstrates a keen appetite for destruction with his no-holds barred portrait of a very violent man.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 31, 2020

The details of gang life are fascinating. The casting is superb: hundreds of rough-heads assembled from across New Zealand. These mean-looking buggers provide a terrifying backdrop for the power struggle.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 8, 2020

This is a brutal, confronting and, ultimately, very emotional watch.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 17, 2020

A stellar debut littered with barbarism and touches of thoughtfulness. Savage is a bare-knuckle tale of emptiness and bloodshed in a world that offers little in return.

| Original Score: 4 / 5 | Sep 12, 2020

The debutant director Sam Kelly creates a credibly hard-hitting if depressingly repetitive (fackin, fackin, fackin, fackin) milieu, with shades of Lee Tamahori's classic New Zealand drama Once Were Warriors.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 12, 2020

This story of supposed biker gang brotherhood never gets the exhilaration it needs.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 12, 2020

A moving period drama about one man's journey through the early days of gangs in New Zealand, this is a dark, compelling, and strangely beautiful film.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 11, 2020

Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 10, 2020