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The Saver

The Saver (2015)

Sep 20, 2015 1h 30m Drama

When teenaged Fern is orphaned in the middle of a harsh Montreal winter, she is determined to avoid her mother’s tragic fate, and take care of herself. With Youth Protection nipping at her heels, she lies about her name and age, to get a job as a janitor another as a cook. Juggling life and work and the discovery of the book, ‘50 Ways to become a Millionaire: All you need to do is save,’ Fern decides to do just that, replacing her grief with the quest to become a millionaire. Written, directed and edited by award-winning filmmaker Wiebke von Carolsfeld (Marion Bridge, Stay), The Saver stars the newly discovered Imajyn Cardinal and is based on the young adult novel by Edeet Ravel.

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Directed by Wiebke von Carolsfeld

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Wiebke von Carolsfeld
Writer
  • Wiebke von Carolsfeld
Producer
  • John Christou
  • Aisling Chin-Yee

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Saver examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Wiebke von Carolsfeld brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Saver took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Saver shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Kissed, which focuses more on action than character development, The Saver subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Open Window and Freak Show explore similar territory, The Saver stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 20, 2015
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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