Salvable – REVIEW

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In the movie Salvable, when it begins with a scene reminiscent of Scorsese’s classic ‘Raging Bull’, it sets itself a challenging task indeed to surpass that iconic film. However, writer and co-director Bjorn Franklin swiftly deviates from this familiar path. Toby Kebbell portrays Sal, a boxer whose prime has passed but is determined to earn a living through the sport. Despite dwelling in a gloomy small town (Barry, South Wales) far removed from its ‘Gavin & Stacy’ image, he barely manages to get by as a boxer and supplements his income with a day job caring for elderly residents in a home, at which he excels, possibly hinting at his true calling. Yet, Sal’s ambitions as a boxer are complicated by a strained relationship with his ex-wife, efforts to rekindle ties with his resentful teenage daughter, and the return of his former sparring partner Vince (Shia LaBeouf) from prison.

This setup promises a gripping human tale, and Kebbell, known for his realistic roles, delves into the struggles of his character while striving to do what’s right. However, LaBeouf’s Vince could disrupt this balance, drawing him into illicit bare-knuckle boxing matches. Despite winning effortlessly, Sal holds back from finishing his opponents, a trait rooted in his own human compassion that might be hindering his professional boxing career growth.

However, the film’s introduction of an unwarranted crime subplot seems to divert attention from the genuinely engaging scenes focusing on Sal’s relationship with his daughter Molly, brilliantly portrayed by Kila Lord Cassidy. These particular scenes carry a strong sense of realism and emotion. Yet, it is Vince’s turbulent influence that could potentially trigger a predictable decline for Sal.

Toby Kebbell maintains a career that seamlessly blends large-scale movies like Kong, War for the Planet of the Apes, and Hurricane Heist with more complex roles, with Salvable being his latest addition where he once again delivers with grace. Similarly, LaBeouf, who sometimes finds himself in the spotlight for less favorable reasons, has also moved away from blockbusters such as Transformers and Indiana Jones to take on more challenging roles. In this film, both actors display exceptional chemistry. Furthermore, LaBeouf showcases his talent for accents, here adopting an Irish brogue.

As a strong advocate for independent cinema, I wholeheartedly affirm that “Salvable” truly embodies the spirit of low-budget productions. Led by James Cosmo and Elaine Cassidy, who also happens to be Molly’s real-life mother on screen, the cast delivers exceptional performances. This film serves as a testament to the power of established actors drawing attention to projects that deserve recognition. While “Salvable” is not without its flaws, it’s a cinematic journey worth taking for anyone passionate about indie films.

We chatted to Toby Kebbell about boxing, Shia Labeouf and blockbusters….

Here’s the Salvable trailer……

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2025-07-14 02:23