Review: Savannah (Movie)

Based on a true story, Savannah (2013, directed, written, and produced by Annette Haywood-Carter) takes place in turn-of-the-century coastal Georgia. Ward Allen was born just before the Civil War, was educated at Oxford, and traveled some in Europe before returning to his birthplace.

Instead of taking over his inheritance, the remains of a southern plantation, he devoted his life to duck hunting, both for sale and as a guide. He was known as man who fought for laws that protected both the birds and the hunter. In addition, he was an early advocate for conservation.

The movie is told mostly in flashbacks and begins as changes are being made to the original Allen land in the early 1950s. The details from both time periods are nicely done, and the outdoor shots are simply gorgeous. The casting was perfect. Jim Caviezel played the sometimes cantankerous, sometimes charming Allen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor played his friend and partner, Christmas Moultrie. Jaimie Alexander, Bradley Whitford, Sam Shepard, and Hal Holbrook help round out the cast.

Although I'm recommending you add Savannah to your watch list, it was not without its flaws. My biggest complaint is that we never learn the ultimate fate of Allen's wife, Lucy. In addition, I would have liked to have learned more about Allen and Moultrie's back story, especially how they became friends. Despite these gaps, I enjoyed the film. If you like the setting, beautiful scenery, and true stories (and don't mind hunting), then look for Savannah on one of the streaming services.