‘Salvable’ Review: Toby Kebbell and Shia LaBeouf in a Boxing Drama That Transcends Its Familiarity

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Currently, the idea of watching a movie about an old boxer whose life has taken a turn for the worse seems as inviting as stepping into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk. This is a familiar cinematic landscape that appears worn out, and the title, “Salvable“, doesn’t exactly instill optimism. However, contrary to expectations, the debut feature by co-directors Bjorn Franklin and Johnny Marchetta surpasses its initial description. Although it doesn’t venture into uncharted territory, it significantly gains from Franklin’s nuanced script and performances that subtly inject emotional depth, catching you off guard.

The drama, characterized by grit and realism, that often came from England in the early ’60s is the setting for this story, which unfolds in Wales. The central character is Sal (played by Toby Kebbell, who shines despite Shia LaBeouf’s prominent role in promotional materials), whose glory days in boxing are long past. He continues to train at night under the watchful eye of his old coach Welly (James Cosmo), but during the day he works at a nursing home, where his kind and caring interactions with its elderly patients reveal much about his character.

Sal, who’s divorced and living in a trailer in a field, struggles with his difficult relationship with his teenage daughter Molly (Kila Lord Cassidy). She’s still resentful due to his past neglect, and his ex-wife (Elaine Cassidy) restricts their visits to specific times. His attempts to gain joint custody through legal means have been unsuccessful. Matters worsen when he loses his job at the nursing home following an unexpected absence due to Molly’s school matters. In addition, intimacy with his girlfriend is limited to their car due to his living situation.

Movies dealing with similar themes frequently introduce a character who acts as a negative influence. In this scenario, that character is Sal’s old friend Vince (played by LaBeouf), whose tumultuous past with Sal is evident. Fresh out of prison, Vince returns to his previous occupation of orchestrating illegal fights. Desperate for money, Sal gets involved in these fights. However, things take a turn when Sal chooses to forfeit a match instead of causing serious harm to an opponent clearly no match for him.

“I’d have killed him!” he tells the frustrated Vince.

As a gamer, I was all set to jump back into the ring with my old coach, Welly, for one final dance – a fight we’d been talking about for ages. But then an opportunity came knocking from Vince, leading me down a risky path of questionable decisions. Unfortunately, that choice ended up having dire repercussions, forcing me to rethink my priorities.

In this movie, the storyline may seem ordinary at first glance, but it surpasses expectations due to sharp writing that takes the narrative beyond mere predictability. Sal’s bond with his daughter is more intricate than it appears, particularly in the poignant aftermath of a skillfully crafted scene where he begs her school principal, an old acquaintance, not to penalize her for a mistake. Furthermore, Vince is not just a typical antagonist; he exhibits a genuine affection for Sal that eventually leads him to make a significant sacrifice. Shia LaBeouf, known more for his tabloid escapades than his acting skills, delivers a subtle yet powerful performance.

However, it’s Kebbell who brings genuine emotion and depth to “Salvable.” Avoiding over-the-top acting that might have been tempting for a less skilled performer, he manages to stir our emotions deeply with his portrayal of a complex character struggling against himself. His convincing performance, combined with the striking cinematography of Welsh landscapes, elevates the movie beyond just being “Salvable.

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2025-04-28 21:54