Opened: May 18, 2007

Directed by: Tom Kalin

Starring: Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne, Stephen Dillane, Hugh Dancy, Elena Anaya, Unax Ugalde, Belén Rueda, Anne Reid, Martin Huber, Minnie Marx, Jim Arnold, Mapi Galán, Barney Clark, Abel Folk, Melina Matthews, Lina Lambert & Peter Vives

Based on an interesting true story, Savage Grace lacks the excitement that should be brought to its characters who are simply too isolating to buy into.

Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore) is in an unhappy marriage with her husband Brooks (Stephen Dillane), who ultimately leaves her. Though she loves her son Antony (Eddie Redmayne), his sexuality worries her. They engage in an incestuous relationship before he murders her.

Though the validity behind their alleged incestuous relationship was never fully confirmed, it doesn’t factor here until the near end of the film. Adjusting their dynamic early on could have built tension for the ultimate crime but as it stands, there’s much dullness leading to that moment.

Moore gives great range as Barbara, but Redmayne (in an early role in his career) doesn’t quite give enough personality.

Final say: It’s not graceful. ★★☆☆☆