As a dedicated movie viewer who is usually more interested in smaller and indie films, I always gravitate towards those about the trials and tribulations of family. And I sincerely believe that filmmaker Nancy Savoca’s spellbinding 1993 gem Household Saints is definitely one of the very best.
Buy Household Saints Blu-rayBased on the novel by Francine Prose, the film tells the story of a lively multigenerational Italian-American family in New York, where Joseph Santangelo (Vincent D’Onofrio) “wins” Catherine Falconetti (Tracey Ullman), in a pinochle game. Despite the constant objections of Joseph’s nagging mom Carmela (Judith Malina), who is an extreme Roman Catholic, both he and Catherine get married. When Carmela dies, her spirit is channeled into their grown-up daughter Teresa (an amazing Lili Taylor), whose devout nature and her yearning to be a nun complicates her relationship with her more-modern parents.
I was immediately struck by the relatability of the characters and their dilemmas, which is what indie films expertly do. The film has an incredible mix of comedy, drama, family crises, and faith that makes it feel fresh and current.
The entire cast is terrific. There isn’t a performance that feels out of place. Yes, the Italian-American stereotypes are there, but the characters, also including those portrayed by Victor Argo, Michael Rispoli, and Michael Imperioli, are truly genuine and heartfelt.
If you prefer to see smaller and more intimate movies that you can relate to, and/or love the independent genre in general, then I completely recommend this wonderful film, which is also another testament to the beauty of female filmmaking.
Special features include Renata (1982) & Bad Timing (1983), two students films by Savoca; a 2023 making-of documentary by Martina Savoca-Guay; archival interviews with cast and crew; new interview with Savoca and Taylor; and re-release trailer.
