Savage Weekend

Savage Weekend

Year: 1979

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: David Paulsen

ThrillerHorrorHorror

Several couples travel upstate to the countryside to observe the construction of a boat, hoping for a tranquil weekend. Their getaway turns nightmarish when a mysterious figure in a grotesque mask begins stalking them, turning the serene setting into a deadly hunt. The tension builds as the group realizes they are being hunted, and survival becomes their only option.

Savage Weekend (1979) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Savage Weekend (1979) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the mist‑shrouded hills of upstate New York, a secluded farmhouse sits beside a sprawling barn where a massive schooner is taking shape. The quiet rhythm of woodworkers and the slow glide of a construction crew give the place an almost timeless feel, promising a weekend of peace far from the clamor of city life. The rust‑colored fields and distant lake create a backdrop that feels both inviting and slightly out of step with the world beyond, setting a tone that balances serene countryside charm with an undercurrent of isolation.

Marie Pettis arrives fresh from a painful divorce, hoping the weekend will soothe the sting of public scandal. She shares the remote retreat with her new stockbroker boyfriend Robert Fathwood, her sister Shirley Sales, and their openly gay friend Nicky, each bringing their own emotional baggage and quiet hopes for connection. The quartet’s dynamic flutters between lingering affection, nascent romance, and sibling rivalry, amplified by the intimate spaces of the house and the looming presence of the unfinished boat. Local figures— a weathered lumberman, the enigmatic engineer overseeing the schooner, and the stoic landowner who sold the property— drift in and out, their cryptic comments adding layers of intrigue to the already tense gathering.

As daylight wanes, the serenity begins to fray. Whispers of old rumors surface, and a mysterious figure in a grotesque mask is glimpsed moving through the shadows. The sense of being watched grows, turning the pastoral setting into a stage for an unsettling cat‑and‑mouse game. The group’s light‑hearted banter gives way to cautious glances, and the uncertain rhythm of the night amplifies every creak and rustle.

When the realization settles that they are no longer merely visitors but the focus of a silent hunt, the weekend’s promise of relaxation evaporates. Survival instincts surface, and the characters must confront the stark contrast between the idyllic landscape and the mounting, unspoken threat that stalks them from the darkness.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:57

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Rural Slasher Movies like Savage Weekend

Stories where a peaceful getaway becomes a deadly trap for a hunted group.If you liked the tense hunt in Savage Weekend, explore more movies where isolated country homes and cabins become deadly traps. This collection features similar slasher stories with masked killers, secluded getaways, and groups fighting for survival against a relentless threat.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a group arriving at a remote location for leisure, only to have their safety shattered by the arrival of a murderous entity. The plot unfolds as a survival thriller, with the group's numbers dwindling as they attempt to unmask the killer and fight back, often uncovering a personal motive rooted in past trauma or betrayal.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the core setup of a secluded rural setting invaded by violence, a steady pacing that builds from tranquility to terror, and a focus on the survival dynamics of a group under siege. They share a high-intensity, dark tone that emphasizes the vulnerability of being cut off from help.

Horror Movies with Personal Revenge like Savage Weekend

Horror stories where violence is fueled by intimate secrets and personal vengeance.For viewers who appreciated the disturbing motive in Savage Weekend, this list features similar movies where the horror stems from domestic betrayal and revenge. These stories blend slasher violence with psychological drama, exploring how secrets from the past can erupt into murderous rage.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a seemingly random attack that is later revealed to be a calculated act of revenge. The storyline often includes flashbacks or revelations that expose a past transgression—such as infidelity or abuse—linking the killer and victims. This transforms the slasher formula into a more tragic and psychologically heavy story.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on a killer's personal motive, which elevates the stakes from mere survival to a confrontation with a painful past. They combine the high tension of a thriller with the emotional weight of a drama, resulting in a mixed or bleak ending that underscores the tragedy.

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Savage Weekend Summary

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Savage Weekend Summary

Savage Weekend Timeline

Track the full timeline of Savage Weekend with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Savage Weekend Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Savage Weekend

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Savage Weekend

More About Savage Weekend

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