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IMDbPro

What About Sal

  • 2023
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
134
YOUR RATING
What About Sal (2023)
History

With his mother dying of lung cancer, Sal, in his 30's and with Down Syndrome, embarks on a journey to find his father - a rock band singer that his mother had a one-night stand with - 30 ye... Read allWith his mother dying of lung cancer, Sal, in his 30's and with Down Syndrome, embarks on a journey to find his father - a rock band singer that his mother had a one-night stand with - 30 years ago.With his mother dying of lung cancer, Sal, in his 30's and with Down Syndrome, embarks on a journey to find his father - a rock band singer that his mother had a one-night stand with - 30 years ago.

  • Director
    • John Jarratt
  • Writer
    • John Jarratt
  • Stars
    • Gerard O'Dwyer
    • Justin Banks
    • Chad R. Bennett
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    134
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Jarratt
    • Writer
      • John Jarratt
    • Stars
      • Gerard O'Dwyer
      • Justin Banks
      • Chad R. Bennett
    • 10User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 2 nominations total

    Photos9

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    Top cast22

    Edit
    Gerard O'Dwyer
    Gerard O'Dwyer
    • Sal
    Justin Banks
    Justin Banks
    • Constable Gary
    Chad R. Bennett
    • Marley
    Dominic Cabusi
    • Bass Player
    Kevin James Dobson
    • Jim
    • (credit only)
    Kaarin Fairfax
    Kaarin Fairfax
    • Sophie
    Lewis Fitz-Gerald
    Lewis Fitz-Gerald
    • Geoff
    Sarah Foukas
    • Dr. 2
    Peter Hehir
    • Dr. O'Hara
    Pearl Herbert
    • Pearl
    Ric Herbert
    • Herbie
    John Jarratt
    John Jarratt
    • Tommy
    Camilla Ah Kin
    Camilla Ah Kin
    • Suzanna
    Veronica McKenna
    • Nurse 1
    James Penny
    • Nelson
    Kurt Ramjan
    Kurt Ramjan
    • Musician
    Joanne Samuel
    Joanne Samuel
    • Alice
    Samuel Shergold
    • Drummer
    • Director
      • John Jarratt
    • Writer
      • John Jarratt
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    7.1134
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    Featured reviews

    10simonmaxwellt

    John Jarratt's Stellar Contribution to 'What About Sal

    Having recently seen "What About Sal," I was struck by John Jarratt's exceptional performance. While I had the privilege of meeting him in person in Bowen, it was on screen where his talent truly shone.

    In his role, Jarratt displayed remarkable versatility and skill, embodying his character with authenticity and depth. His presence on screen commanded attention, drawing viewers into the story with his captivating performance.

    Off-screen, Jarratt's gracious demeanor and evident passion for his craft further solidified my admiration for him as a talented actor. Meeting him in person only enhanced my appreciation for his work in "What About Sal" and beyond.

    In summary, John Jarratt's contribution to "What About Sal" elevates the film to another level. His talent and dedication are evident in every scene, making his performance a highlight of this compelling movie.
    9bazza_mckenzie02

    Beautiful film

    Brilliant performances from the talented Gerard O'Dwyer who is outstanding and the heart of the film.

    Great performances from some Australian screen legends John Jarratt, Kaarin Fairfax,Peter Hehir,Roger Ward.

    Beautiful film with heart laughs and some touching moments.

    John Jarratt wears many hats for this film,Actor,Writer, Director and shines in every role.

    Great seeing the legend Peter Hehir back on screen one of my favourite actors. He is top notch in this film.

    See it at the pictures and spread the word tell your mates this is a great movie and help support this great Australian film.

    A bonzer Australian film that deserves to be seen on the big screen.
    10docmus-240-405250

    Unmissable. Just see it.

    Every now and then a movie comes up that makes you both cry and feel warm inside. This is such a movie. Sal is a young man with Down syndrome who on learning that his single mother is about to die goes on a search for his never met before father. The movie is filled with wonderful characters, many somewhat flawed but all essentially good, kind, caring human beings. Gerard O'Dwyer who plays Sal is just perfect. John Jarratt, who plays the father and is also the writer, director and co-producer of this gem has pitched it perfectly. The Sydney Australia settings are perfect for a film which will have universal appeal though probably best heard in its original Australian English version rather than dubbed into any other language as Gerard's acting must be appreciated in its full power. A cynical viewer might quibble that What about Sal is too sickly sweet and unrealistically optimistic about humanity. If you only want gun fights, car chases and nude scenes this movie is not for you. But if you want something to warm your heart while gentle tears well up then this movie delivers in spades.
    10CaseyD-04

    Must watch!

    Casted to perfection. Amazing story. Absolutely loved it. I shed tears of both sadness and joy throughout this movie. Niika has done a spectacular job of executive producing this must-watch movie. John Jarratt was perfect for his role, along with of course Gerard O'Dwyer. Well done!l to all involved.
    9flintwilf

    Top Shelf

    'What About Sal' is a must see!

    I'm unsure how you'll see it, 'cos John Jarratt made it 100% independently. Perhaps write to him and ask.

    This is a film that fearlessly and sensitively tells two uncommon stories with guts and determination ... and with marvellous Sydney locations.

    A team of Australia's greats contributed excellence to bring this film together. Along with some of our best tech's behind the camera, the performances of Gerard O'Dwyer, Kaarin Fairfax, Joanne Samuel, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, Peter Hehir (whose two characters are REALLY different and REALLY good) ... and the inimitable JJ ... make the whole film not just absorbing but truly memorable.

    I can't recommend this film highly enough!

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Australia's second film to star a Down Syndrome man in the lead role, Kairos is the first.

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 10, 2023 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    • Production company
      • Channel Tree
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $43,635
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 37m(97 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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