Salvable

Salvable knocks you out like a good boxer would. Obviously, this isn't a movie about boxing. Our main character does fight people in the ring, but more than that, he fights life and his circumstances. This film powerfully conveys a mood-one of sadness, of tough odds, of hopelessness. And you'll feel all of that: through the music, the gritty, rundown locations, the grimy, raw coastal weather-and most of all through the characters, especially in a layered lead performance by Toby Kebbell.

Sal is the underdog in the story-and this movie, too, started out as an underdog, but turned into a great watch.

Greetings again from the darkness. After reading the synopsis, I was tempted to pass on this one and move on to the next film on the list. What could possibly be appealing about another fading boxer whose life is in shambles? Co-directors Bjorn Franklin (also the screenwriter) and Johnny Marchetta are frequent collaborators on music videos, and this, their first feature film, is a solid action-melodrama with some moving parts that all (OK, mostly) come together. It also has a surprisingly effective lead performance.

Living in Wales, Sal (Toby Kebbell, "Servant") is a past-his-prime boxer taking falls in the ring at night, while showing touching care in his day job at the local Nursing Home. Sal is getting by, but it's clear he needs no sunglasses for his future. His teenage daughter, Molly (Kila Lord Cassidy) is holding on to anger towards him, while his ex-wife (Elaine Cassidy) mostly wishes he would just leave them alone. Matching the mostly joyless life Sal leads is the lighting and atmosphere created by the filmmakers ... hometown looks like a place where smiles are rare.

Just as we are adjusting to Sal's bleak existence and his misguided attempts to improve his lot through his job and slowly improving relationship with Molly, a bad influence pops up in the form of Vince (Shia LaBeouf). Sal and Vince were friends and boxing buddies in their younger days, and now, just out of prison, Vince wants to get the band back together for nefarious activities that can bring them some cash. And just like that, the melodrama of Sal's struggling becomes a bit of a crime drama, where Vince infuses chaos and Sal makes more poor decisions.

Sal's long-time trainer and mentor, old-timer Welly (James Cosmo) tries desperately to keep Sal on track and even scores him a real opportunity for redemption. Of course, we have come to know Sal as a man with the best intentions, but an inability to overcome the constant hurdles life puts in his way. Toby Kebbell delivers a truly touching performance as Sal, and his personal struggles are certainly the best part of the film. Shia LaBeouf adds heft as a guy we may initially misjudge, yet in this world happy endings are tougher to come by than victories in the ring.

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It had one memorable fight, and some decent moments and emotions. Overall it was just slow, uneventful, and felt more like a watch how I can act. Shia has always been one of my favorites and his voice and character was surprisingly good. Would have been better if it had just went somewhere. It needed like another hour of story from where it left off.

Watched on app on 8-19-2025.

Really cool movie !

Dark ,gritty and amazing cinematography. This movie really pulled me in and I was gripped !

Great casting !

Each actor was completely believable The music was great too !

I hope I can buy the soundtrack somewhere as it had a real theme running through every song and totally complimented every scene .

Bjorn Franklins story and directing is top class !

The friendship between actors Toby and Shia character was very moving and made me want to root for both of them to win .

I tough the young 14 year old daughters acting was way beyond her years and deserves attention .

Over all I think this movie is great and will be up for some awards !

Caught this by accident as saw the trailer and figured it'd be the usual ex-boxer down on his luck story. But it surprised me. Some real moments in there that got under my skin, especially the stuff with his daughter. I've got two kids myself and one's a teenage girl, so yeah, that part hit home. Toby Kebbell plays it quiet but strong, nothing showy, just real. Reminded me that trying to fix things with your kids doesn't always come with big speeches, just showing up and being there when it counts. It's not perfect, but it's honest and hits you when you're not expecting it. Worth the watch for sure.