Good Savage
2023 Mexican film
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Good Savage (Spanish: Buen salvaje) is a 2023 Mexican satirical black comedy film[1] co-written, co-produced and directed by Santiago Mohar Volkow.[2] Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Naian González Norvid, Darío Yazbek Bernal and Andrew Leland Rogers.[3] It follows an American couple of artists who arrive in a forgotten town in Mexico where, in order to achieve their dreams, they will descend into madness.[4]
Andrew Leland Rogers
Sebastian Castillo
Naian González Norvid
Darío Yazbek Bernal
Andrew Leland Rogers
| Good Savage | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Santiago Mohar Volkow |
| Written by | Santiago Mohar Volkow Andrew Leland Rogers |
| Produced by | Santiago Mohar Volkow Sebastian Castillo |
| Starring | Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Naian González Norvid Darío Yazbek Bernal Andrew Leland Rogers |
| Cinematography | Flavia Martinez |
| Edited by | Fernando Guisa Didac Palou |
| Music by | Diego Lozano |
Production company | Edge Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | Mexico |
| Languages | Spanish English |
Synopsis
Tired of the monotony of New York, Jesse and Maggie decide to move to a small town in northern Mexico in search of artistic inspiration. In their new home, they meet Melitón, a local con man who becomes their creative muse. However, when Don Chelo appears with a strange request, the couple's fictions become dangerously intertwined with reality.[5]
Cast
- Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Meliton
- Naian González Norvid as Maggie
- Darío Yazbek Bernal as Don Chelo
- Andrew Leland Rogers as Jesse
- Alejandro Edda as Fernando
- Aldo Escalante Ochoa as El Maguey
Production
The film took two weeks to write the script and two weeks to shoot during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]
Release
Good Savage had its world premiere on November 16, 2023, at the 27th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival,[7] then screened on February 10, 2024, at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival,[8] on May 11, 2024, at the 8th 24 Risas por Segundo International Film and Comedy Festival,[9] on June 8, 2024, at the 39th Guadalajara International Film Festival,[10] and on September 21, 2024, at the 16th Hola Mexico Film Festival.[11]
The film was released commercially on July 17, 2025, in Mexican theaters.[12]
Accolades
| Year | Award / Festival | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 39th Guadalajara International Film Festival | Hecho en Jalisco - Best Film | Good Savage | Nominated | [13][14] |
| 16th Hola Mexico Film Festival | Mexico Today - Best Full Feature Films | Nominated | [15][16] |
Future
In July 2025, during an interview with El Capitalino, director Santiago Mohar Volkow confirmed that he has plans for a sequel: "We want to continue exploring this world... so Good Savage 2 is coming. At least they'll have all the same actors."[17]