Savages

Savages is a 2012 French drama film directed by Thomas Bataille, which follows the interconnected lives of a young girl named Kéria and her relationships with her community and the environment in a rapidly-changing Borneo. In the midst of the lush tropical forest, Kéria's father works at a palm oil plantation, where life remains relatively peaceful, until a chance discovery sets off a chain of events. While exploring the plantation, Kéria stumbles upon an orphaned baby orangutan, which she carefully rescues and decides to name Oshi. This chance encounter sparks an unbreakable bond between Kéria and the innocent creature, a reflection of her innate compassion and concern for the well-being of those around her. As time progresses, Kéria's cousin, Selaï, arrives at the plantation amidst the backdrop of conflict-ridden indigenous tribes and logging companies battling over the land. The tribes, driven out of their ancestral territories, seek refuge in the plantation. Kéria's family takes Selaï in, and the presence of this displaced cousin adds a sense of urgency to Kéria's life. Selaï's harrowing stories about the struggle of his people ignite a sense of purpose within Kéria, as she begins to contemplate the implications of the palm oil industry on the environment and her community's culture. As the logging companies, armed with the force of the state and driven by profit, threaten to uproot the forest and displace the tribes, Kéria finds herself on a collision course with the very industry her father is employed by. She is compelled to choose between her love for the orangutan, Oshi, and her love for her father, whose livelihood hangs in the balance. Kéria's internal conflict heightens as the palm oil company, with its disregard for the indigenous community and the environment, accelerates the destruction of the tropical forest. Through Kéria's character, the film conveys the emotional depth of her bond with Oshi and the tribe, and her subsequent struggles as she navigates this treacherous landscape. Her decision to side with the orangutan and Selaï's tribe resonates profoundly, highlighting the human impact of environmental destruction and exploitation. As she witnesses the brutal force exerted by the logging companies, Kéria must reconcile her loyalty to her father with her duty to protect the tribe, the orangutan, and the forest that is their sanctuary. With a powerful blend of drama and social commentary, Savages delves into the intricate dynamics between humans, nature, and the economy. The film raises pressing questions about the value of indigenous culture and natural resources in the face of industrial development. By humanizing the orangutan and portraying the emotional depth of Selaï's struggles, Thomas Bataille crafts a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking. Through the lens of Kéria's experiences, Savages exposes the far-reaching consequences of environmental degradation and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The film is a poignant reminder that our relationships with nature are interconnected, and the consequences of our actions can be far-reaching and devastating. As Kéria finds herself in the midst of a catastrophic conflict, the film challenges us to contemplate our responsibility towards preserving the natural world and the delicate balance that exists within ecosystems. Ultimately, Savages serves as a testament to the power of human compassion and empathy, and the resilience of the natural world in the face of destruction. The film's nuanced portrayal of Kéria's relationships and her struggles against the palm oil industry offer a searing critique of modern society's values, urging us to reevaluate our priorities and seek a more harmonious coexistence with nature.