Salvable
There are notes of a Loachian kitchen sink drama in Salvable, the debut feature from directors Bjorn Franklin and Johnny Marchetta. The plot centres around Sal (Toby Kebbell), an ageing boxer who’s struggling to mend his relationship with his teenage daughter (Kíla Lord Cassidy). While he tries to keep on the straight and narrow by working in a care home and taking on occasional fights arranged by his coach (James Cosmo), he finds himself skirting a life of crime when Vince (Shia LeBeouf), an old childhood friend, introduces him to the world of bareknuckle boxing.
Sal is a blue-collar worker with dreams of escaping the seaside town that he’s been stuck in his whole life. Franklin and Marchetta’s grounded approach to storytelling and stripped-back presentation is where the comparison to Loach’s work can be found. From drab and grey environments to the brooding collections of folk songs peppered throughout the soundtrack, the filmmakers nail the atmosphere and sense of social realism. However, this is as far as the comparison to Loach goes. Whereas films like Sweet Sixteen and Cathy Come Home really dig into their social commentary, Salvage is less concerned with exploring the reasons behind the protagonist’s situation. Rather, Sal is the vehicle that drives the drama forward.
Where Salvable shines best is in its outstanding performances. Kebbell is sensational in the starring role. Despite his imposing presence whenever he sets foot in the ring, his conflicted nature and desire to do the best for his child are etched onto each of his expressions. Cosmo, though only appearing in a handful of scenes, is a tremendous source of warmth throughout, while LeBeouf, who sports a bleach-blond haircut and speaks with a thick Irish brogue, likewise gives a compelling performance that further elevates the drama. There are some lulls in the narrative as the plot moves from one scene to the next, especially within the first half. As the slow-burn storytelling approaches the third act, however, events conclude in a gripping finale that’s loaded with pathos.
Although it lacks the sharp social commentary of similar genre pieces, the melancholic atmosphere and exquisite performances make Salvable worth watching.
Andrew Murray
Salvable is released for home viewing physically and digitally on 14th July 2025.
Watch the trailer for Salvable here:
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