Savage (2009)
A raw Irish crime-thriller that dissects masculinity, trauma, and the seductive — and corrosive — pull of revenge.
Savage - Movie Information
- Original Title: Savage
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Brendan Muldowney
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 10, 2009 (Ireland - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Savage - At the End of All Humanity (IE), Vadállat (HU)
- Production Companies: Savage Productions, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
- Production Countries: Ireland
Savage - Plot
An exploration of masculinity and violence. A story of obsession and revenge, as a man tries to come to terms with a brutal, random attack and its consequences.
Savage - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the darkness that unfolds in this Irish thriller.
At the end of all humanity.
Where to Watch Savage
Looking for where to watch Savage?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Savage - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brendan Muldowney
Main Cast
- Darren Healy
- Nora-Jane Noone
- John Burke
- Jer O'Leary
- Gerard Jordan
- Patrick Murphy
- Emmett Scanlan
- Gerry Shanahan
- Zoe Doyle
- Karl Argue
Writers
- Brendan Muldowney
Producers
- Conor Barry
Savage - FAQs
What is Savage (2009) about?
Savage follows Paul Grayno, an ordinary Irish man whose life is shattered after a vicious, unprovoked street attack. Haunted by trauma and consumed by rage, he spirals into a dark obsession with revenge. The film is a raw, unflinching examination of masculinity, violence, and the psychological cost of brutality.
How does Savage (2009) explore its revenge theme?
Rather than glorifying payback, Savage deconstructs the revenge fantasy. Paul's transformation is portrayed as deeply troubling — he becomes a mirror image of his attackers. Director Brendan Muldowney forces viewers to question whether vengeance offers any real healing or simply perpetuates a cycle of brutality.
Who are the main actors in Savage?
Darren Healy leads the cast as Paul Grayno, delivering a raw and intense performance. He's joined by Nora-Jane Noone as Michelle, John Burke as a Detective Sergeant, Jer O'Leary as Paul's father, and Emmett Scanlan as Jacko, among others.
Is Savage (2009) based on a true story?
Savage is not based on a specific true story. Writer-director Brendan Muldowney crafted an original screenplay inspired by broader social realities — random street violence, masculine identity, and the psychological aftermath of trauma — rather than any single documented event.
Who directed Savage and what is his style?
Brendan Muldowney directed and wrote Savage. His approach is gritty and unflinching, rooted in social realism. He uses close, intimate camerawork and restrained pacing to place viewers inside Paul's psychological deterioration, making the film feel visceral and uncomfortably authentic rather than sensationalist.
What genre is Savage (2009)?
Savage sits at the intersection of crime, drama, horror, and thriller. It's less a conventional genre film and more a psychological character study with deeply unsettling horror undertones, examining how violence reshapes identity and pushes an ordinary person toward something monstrous.
What are similar films to Savage (2009)?
If Savage resonated with you, you might also appreciate Death Wish (1974), Irreversible (2002), The Last House on the Left (2009), Straightheads (2007), and Julia (2015). These films similarly explore themes of violence, victimhood, and the moral ambiguity of revenge.
How long is Savage (2009)?
Savage runs for 85 minutes — a lean, tightly wound runtime that suits its relentless tension. Muldowney wastes no time, keeping the film focused and propulsive from the opening moments through to its bleak, thought-provoking conclusion.
More About Savage
Explore further details about Savage on these authoritative resources.