Savages 2012
Directed by
Oliver Stone
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Best friends Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson) are dedicated marijuana cultivators thriving in Laguna Beach, California. Their journey begins when Chon, a former Navy SEAL, brings back specially sourced seeds from Afghanistan that yield an extraordinarily potent strain of marijuana. This successful business venture leads Chon and Ben to wealth and establishes them in the local market. Their budding relationship with O (Blake Lively) adds another layer to their lives, as they explore a polyamorous romance together.
When Ben is away doing charity work abroad, a chilling video arrives from cartel thug Lado (Benicio Del Toro), displaying gruesome imagery that raises alarm bells about Ben’s safety. Fortunately, Ben returns unscathed the following day, and the trio confronts the Mexican cartel, which is desperate to gain a foothold in their lucrative business. The cartel proposes a deal to industrialize their production for a 20% cut, but Chon and Ben are unwilling to compromise their independence by partnering with such dangerous elements.
As they plan an escape to Indonesia without informing O of the looming threat from the cartel, their intentions are thwarted when the cartel learns of their plans. Having realized the duo’s knowledge is essential for their operations, the cartel decides they cannot let them go. In a desperate attempt to gain leverage, they abduct O, prompting Chon and Ben to negotiate with cartel leader Elena (played by Salma Hayek) through a harrowing Skype call, where she threatens O’s life unless they comply.
In the ensuing turmoil, Chon and Ben discover more about the cartel’s inner workings through corrupt DEA agent Dennis (John Travolta). Unraveling the web of manipulation and danger, they learn of Elena’s brutal past and her unyielding nature. Chon and Ben, now armed with determination, consider kidnapping their way out by planning to rob Elena’s properties in Laguna, where they suspect vast amounts of cash are hidden.
The duo executes a daring raid on one of Elena’s cash laundering operations with the help of Chon’s Navy SEAL friends, resulting in significant violence. They cunningly frame Alex (Demián Bichir), a cartel member, for the massacre to deflect suspicion from themselves. In a twisted revelation during Alex’s torture, they learn that Elena’s supposedly deceased daughter Magda may still be alive and is in Laguna Beach.
Elena’s desperation brings her to Laguna to meet Magda, while O remains trapped in horrendous conditions, subjected to unspeakable trauma. Meanwhile, Lado and Dennis plot to leverage their knowledge for personal gain, revealing a deep-rooted betrayal that complicates alliances further.
As the stakes climb, Chon and Ben pay an exorbitant $3 million to Dennis for intel on Magda. They successfully kidnap her and use her as leverage against Elena, who finds herself powerless now. When a tense standoff unfolds in the desert, lives are lost as the struggle for power culminates in an explosive clash.
Ultimately, a shocking turn reveals Lado’s treachery. He escapes just as DEA agents close in, leaving Elena to face the consequences of her actions. With Elena imprisoned for decades, Ben and Chon leverage incriminating evidence against Dennis, securing their freedom. The trio then embarks on a new chapter together, finding solace in their life “like savages” in Indonesia, free from the chaos they once endured.
Timeline
Chon Returns from Afghanistan
Chon, a former Navy SEAL, returns from Afghanistan bringing with him special seeds that yield an extraordinarily potent strain of marijuana. This pivotal moment ignites their venture into the marijuana business, propelling them into a world of wealth and success in Laguna Beach.
The Successful Business Launch
Chon and Ben establish their marijuana cultivation business, quickly becoming prominent figures in the local market. Their newfound wealth also leads to a romantic entanglement with O, adding complexity to their lives and business.
Threat from the Cartel
While Ben is away on charity work, a menacing video from cartel thug Lado arrives, raising concerns about Ben's safety. The duo quickly realizes they must confront the dangerous Mexican cartel which is encroaching on their business.
Ben Returns Safely
The following day, Ben returns unharmed, allowing the trio to regroup. They begin to confront the Mexican cartel that seeks to industrialize their production in exchange for a substantial cut of the profits.
Cartel Proposal
The cartel approaches Chon and Ben with a deal to partner up, coercing them to compromise their independence. The duo refuses, acknowledging the risks that come with entangling themselves with such dangerous forces.
Kidnapping of O
After discovering their plan to escape to Indonesia, the cartel responds by abducting O. This shocking event escalates tensions, forcing Chon and Ben into a dangerous negotiation with Elena through a Skype call.
Uncovering the Cartel's Secrets
With help from corrupt DEA agent Dennis, Chon and Ben delve deeper into the cartel's operations. They uncover insights about Elena's violent legacy and her ruthless determination to maintain control.
Planning Retribution
Determined to save O, Chon and Ben plan a daring robbery of Elena's cash laundering operations in Laguna. They bring in Chon's Navy SEAL friends to execute their risky plan, setting the stage for violence.
Violent Raid
In a chaotic and violent raid, Chon and Ben strike one of Elena's operations. They frame cartel member Alex for the ensuing bloodshed, cleverly deflecting suspicion away from themselves.
Discovery of Magda
During Alex's torture for information, Chon and Ben discover that Elena's seemingly deceased daughter, Magda, may still be alive in Laguna Beach. This revelation provides a glimmer of hope as they plot their next move.
Elena's Desperation
As tensions rise, Elena travels to Laguna Beach in a desperate attempt to find her daughter Magda. Unbeknownst to her, O remains captive, enduring torment while the cartel's internal dynamics shift.
Bribery for Information
Chon and Ben pay Dennis an exorbitant amount for vital information regarding Magda's whereabouts. This risky investment paves the way for their next move as they turn the tables on Elena.
Kidnapping Magda
The duo successfully locates and kidnaps Magda, using her as leverage in their negotiations with Elena. The balance of power shifts dramatically as Elena faces a dire situation with her daughter's safety at stake.
Climactic Standoff
The tension culminates in a deadly standoff in the desert where lives are lost during a chaotic clash for control. The stakes have never been higher as Chon and Ben confront the very forces they sought to escape.
New Beginnings in Indonesia
Following their conflict with the cartel, Elena is imprisoned for her crimes. Ben and Chon, leveraging evidence against Dennis, secure their freedom and embark on a new life 'like savages' in Indonesia, finally escaping the chaos that consumed them.
Characters
Chon (Taylor Kitsch)
Chon is a former Navy SEAL who embodies loyalty and determination, making him a fierce protector of his friends. His military background equips him with the skills necessary to confront danger head-on, yet he grapples with the emotional toll of his choices. Chon's character represents the struggle between personal values and the violent world he is thrust into.
Ben (Aaron Johnson)
Ben is a compassionate and idealistic character whose commitment to love and ethical values often clashes with the brutal realities around him. His philanthropic efforts and dedication to O reveal a softer side, yet he must confront the harshness of the world they inhabit. Ben's evolution throughout the story showcases the conflict between his dreams and the escalating violence.
O (Blake Lively)
O is the emotional core of the trio, embodying the complexities of love and vulnerability. Her involvement with both Chon and Ben adds layers to her character, challenging traditional notions of relationships. O's abduction serves to highlight the depths of her resilience and the fierce bond she shares with her partners.
Lado (Benicio Del Toro)
Lado is a menacing cartel thug whose ruthlessness underscores the danger surrounding Chon and Ben. His violent tendencies and cunning intelligence make him a formidable foe, reflecting the dark side of organized crime. Lado's character serves as a constant reminder of the stakes involved and the ever-present threat to their lives.
Elena (Salma Hayek)
Elena, the cartel leader, embodies power and ambition, commanding respect and fear within the drug trade. Her backstory reveals a ruthless woman shaped by her tumultuous past, showcasing her survival instincts at any cost. As Clon and Ben confront her, Elena becomes a symbol of the relentless brutality of the criminal underworld.
Dennis (John Travolta)
Dennis is a corrupt DEA agent whose duplicitous nature complicates the situation for Chon and Ben. His willingness to betray his own agency for personal gain highlights the moral ambiguity present in law enforcement. The character's entanglement with the cartel underscores the theme of betrayal that reverberates throughout the story.
Alex (Demián Bichir)
Alex is a cartel member caught in the violent crossfire, serving as a pawn in the larger power struggle. His fate reveals the ruthless consequences of betrayal within the cartel, adding depth to the unfolding chaos. The character's role enhances the tension between the protagonists and their enemies.
Setting
Time period
The movie is set in modern times, reflecting the contemporary issues of drug trade and organized crime. It explores themes of loyalty and betrayal in an era where the risks of the narcotics business are evident. The dynamics of friendship and the pursuit of a hedonistic lifestyle fuel the narrative.
Location
Laguna Beach, Indonesia
Laguna Beach, California, is known for its picturesque coastline and vibrant art scene, making it a hub for creativity and relaxation. The lush landscapes and tranquil waters serve as a stark contrast to the chaos that unfolds in the lives of Chon and Ben. Indonesia represents a potential refuge for the trio, symbolizing hope and a fresh start away from the turmoil of the drug cartel.
Themes
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Love & Betrayal
The film intricately weaves love and betrayal as characters navigate a complex polyamorous relationship while facing external threats. The emotional trials of Chon, Ben, and O highlight the fragility of trust amid the violent backdrop of the drug trade. Their dedication to one another is tested when they confront the ruthless cartel, bringing their relationships to a breaking point.
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Violence & Survival
Violence pervades the narrative, representing the high stakes involved in the drug industry. The film examines the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests and loved ones, leading to graphic confrontations and moral dilemmas. Survival becomes paramount as Chon and Ben strategize against overwhelming odds, showcasing resilience in the face of brutality.
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