Powerful Stop-Motion Tale of Nature and Resistance
If you loved My Life as a Courgette (or My Life as a Zucchini in the U.S.), then you’ll want to check out Claude Barras’ latest stop-motion gem, Savages (Sauvages in French). Released in 2024, this film is another heartfelt, visually stunning work from the Swiss director, but this time, it tackles big themes like deforestation, indigenous rights, and reconnecting with your roots—all through the eyes of a brave young girl and an adorable baby orangutan.
Set in Borneo, Savages follows Kéria, an 11-year-old girl who lives with her father near a palm oil plantation. After loggers kill a mother orangutan, Kéria and her dad rescue the orphaned baby ape, naming him Oshi. Things get complicated when her cousin Selaï—a boy from the nomadic Penan people—comes to live with them. At first, Kéria isn’t thrilled about having him around, but when they end up lost in the forest together, she starts to learn about her indigenous heritage and the fight to protect their land from greedy corporations.
The film doesn’t shy away from tough topics. It shows how indigenous communities are pushed off their land, how animals suffer from deforestation, and how big businesses exploit both nature and people. But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s adventure, humor, and even a bit of magic, like when Kéria encounters a mysterious panther that might be connected to her late mother.
Barras is one of the most unique voices in stop-motion animation today. His 2016 film, My Life as a Courgette, was a surprise hit, earning an Oscar nomination and proving that stop-motion isn’t just for kids—it can tell deep, emotional stories too. With Savages, Barras takes things even further, mixing his signature handmade animation style with a strong environmental message. It took him eight years to make this film, and you can see every bit of that care in the lush jungle sets and expressive characters.
Savages is a rare kind of film—one that’s both entertaining and important. It’s got heart, humor, and a powerful message about standing up for what’s right. If you’re into animation that makes you think while also making you feel, this is a must-watch.
