Household Saints

About This Movie

Household Saints is a quiet yet powerful exploration of family and identity. The film weaves together the lives of three Italian-American women over several decades, capturing the nuances of their struggles in a post-WWII Little Italy. Nancy Savoca’s direction creates a raw and intimate atmosphere, where the performances—especially from the leads—feel almost like a window into their lives. There's this slow pacing that lets you absorb the layers of tradition and longing. The practical effects and set design are really evocative, reflecting that gritty charm of the era. It’s not just a story about hardship; it’s about resilience in the face of life’s complexities. Really captures a time and place that feels both specific and universal.

Released by Columbia Pictures in 1993Features a screenplay by Nancy Savoca and Richard VetlesenCinematography by Ellen Kuras enhances the film's moodOriginally based on a novel by Francine Prose