Richard E Grant and Claire Foy loved subverting the British costume drama with “impolite” Savage House

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The new film, Savage House, a darkly comedic period drama, is now playing in theaters. Stars Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy say it offers a fresh and unique take on the genre.

In an interview with TopMob, Grant described the movie as deliberately unconventional and a stark contrast to typical historical dramas, calling it “the impolite version of any period film.”

He explained that he really appreciated how imperfect and raw it felt, like it was on the verge of falling apart. He found that much more believable and realistic.

Foy, who starred alongside him, explained that the project felt authentic and down-to-earth, avoiding the tendency to idealize its subject matter. She acknowledged enjoying shows that do romanticize things, but she particularly appreciated the raw, gritty, and unglamorous aspects of this one.

Savage House is a darkly humorous story set in 1700s England, during a time of plague and rebellion. It follows Sir Chauncey and Lady Savage, played by Grant and Foy, as they desperately seek to improve their fortunes.

It’s almost funny, really, that they’re called the Savages, because their world truly is wild. I’ve seen so much drama with this family – challenges, over-the-top parties, and even violence. It’s a fascinating, if chaotic, look at how wealth and status affect everything.

The film features a talented cast including Grant, Foy, Sebastian Armesto, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Bel Powley, Jack Farthing, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Richard McCabe, Vicki Pepperdine, and Pip Torrens. Peter Glanz directed the movie.

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Glanz’s previous work includes writing for the Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World and writing/directing the 2014 romantic comedy The Longest Week, featuring Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, and Billy Crudup.

Most recently, Grant appeared in the Netflix film Ladies First and is set to be in the second UK season of The Celebrity Traitors. Foy has already starred in two films this year: H Is for Hawk and The Magic Faraway Tree.

Savage House is in UK cinemas now.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a global TV production company. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-06-06 17:34