WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What are those things that deeply impact our lives to an extent of both elation and agitation? Do they become those facets or elements that cause us to long to maintain their presence or find any excuse to be rid of them for good? What if the SOURCE of said plight, however, creates a situation that isn’t so cut and dry when it comes to making the choice, especially when the decision made reveals far more than was ever anticipated? Happy couple Ken Nsimbi and Kaila Nsimbi are completely in love, enjoying a marriage and way of life that seemed perfect. When Ken chooses to surprise Kaila with a newly acquired furry companion, despite his own personal and understandable trepidations about it, everything still seems wonderful overall–until events unfold that not only call into question the feasibility of the new resident in their home, but the building ramifications it heralds–and the light it shines upon their reality together.
Next, my Mind:
Facing, much less fixing, our faults and buried hesitations about any given situation is hard enough to rectify without an additional point of contention becoming the catalyst for it all to be exposed in the first place. Yet, this is precisely what occurs when the tiniest and cutest of creatures, a kitten named Savi, becomes the focus of giddiness and gravity over the course of this undeniably charming, candidly revealing 18-minute documentary film from director/producer Netsanet Tjirongo and director/producer/cinematographer/editor Bryan Tucker which will be relishing its New York Premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival via its first in-person screening June 11th, followed by additional screenings June 15th and 17th, then streaming online through the Festival site June 19th-July 2nd. While this critic tends to lean towards the canine side of the pet world as a whole, one thing this film definitively showcases is the simple, well-known truth that they (canines OR felines) not only have their place in our lives, but can impact us far more than we ever expect–for good or ill remains to be seen!
In this case, we’re treated to an insider’s glimpse of the day to day lives being experienced by a wonderful couple whose actuality is very busy but more than happy–until a surprise gift from hubby to wife throws all they know into an unforeseen tailspin. Of course, it doesn’t START out that way, even with Ken’s decision to bring home a cat at all in itself was a challenging step for reasons he divulges during his telling of the tale, and the joy this minute bundle of fur brings to them is palpable and folks, you AREN’T resisting it either! BUT–as the growing pains of pet ownership begin to manifest, Savi turns from cuteness and wonder to an annoyance, which Ken in particular recalls about how HE was feeling when this all came about. The questions then stand emphatically out to the couple–what are they going to do AND will it end up bringing about resolution to the REAL issues, long boiling and building under the surface, that owning Savi dredges up between the couple?
This is what allows this documentary to soar and have the purposeful, influential, grounded, and inspirational quality that it ends up possessing, as it’s an exploration that goes well beyond just a cat, delving into the nature of us as humans to often believe we’re always in that “perfect place” when that’s not at all the case, especially in relationships where it’s almost too easy to have blinders on to those aspects of our lives that have actually begun to wear away the fabric of closeness, or here a marriage, we thought we were successfully cultivating. Additionally, it’s HOW such a seemingly benign little (then grown) fur ball is able to bring about such raw truth that also makes for a finale to this story that is exceptional, moving, convincing, and proves that, man or animal, the seeking to become better versions of ourselves when presented with the correct opportunities is not only something to aim for, but highly possible to achieve. Top this notion off with the manner in which Savi’s story with the couple ends which is heartening and borderline miraculous, and you’ve got a “slice of life” film that should resonate with anyone, pet owner or not.
Visually, the film adeptly utilizes a combination of live action footage and animated sequences featuring both the couple and the hairy menace in question, adding that sense of fun to their shared escapades even when the more serious moments arrive and deeper points are being made. Let’s be honest, who’d have thunk cat-induced couple’s therapy as the foundational premise of a documentary?? This critic didn’t at least. Yet, I was so pleasingly amused and moved by what this effort exhibits when it comes to beautifully illustrating how imperative it is we maintain a better idea of who we are, where we’re at, and just how off-track we might be in certain instances that needs mending. How we GET there, or WHAT causes us TO act finally–THAT is the mystery. This film most assuredly demonstrates the journey and path to necessary healing can truly come from anywhere–and when we aren’t looking for, or AT, it!
The Nsimbi’s are the most engagingly delightful, whimsical couple to take in throughout the film, which very much enhances the overall atmosphere presented, with the background we are entreated to about their courtship and falling in love, the ups and downs with Savi, the cost it initially took on their marital bliss, and the subsequent triumph that’s ultimately brought into the light is all made better by playful banter between them and the steadfastness to be as transparent about what transpired as they are. Of course, we cannot forget ABOUT the real “star” of this tale, Savi, who makes his presence decidedly known live and in animated color throughout the film, spreading his form of cuddles and chaos with equal magnitudes of self-implied impunity. He’s adorable to a fault, of course, but also wasn’t afraid to show how tedious of an attitude he has as well. But, can it be that, like humans, the ability to CHANGE can happen? Watch the film and see!
So, in total, “Savi the Cat” is an uncomplicated, straightforward, wholly affecting, totally entertaining look at life on the “wild” side, as seen from both people’s and pet’s perspectives, garnering laughs, heartfelt sentiment, relatable truths, and applicable lessons in what it is to be human residing with the four-legged friends whose sway over us might just put that necessary magnifying glass upon our own behaviors that could use a little correction and re-training.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
