Salvable

Is it a hit or a knockout blow?

Salvable tells the story of Sal (Toby Kebbell), an ex-boxer who has hit on hard times following his last loss in the ring. Whilst continuing to train with grizzly boxing coach Welly (James Cosmo), Sal struggles to keep motivated with his care home job and creates more tensions with his ex-wife when trying to get custody of his daughter.

This get even more tense when his old friend Vince (Shia LaBeouf) turns up after 14 years in jail and begins to rope Sal into the world of underground illegal bareknuckle fighting. Once Sal sees the lucrative draw of the scene, can he keep himself grounded enough to keep life in order or will he spiral out of control even more with the temptation of glory?

Salvable has all the hallmarks of a story we've seen a million times: The underdog, the down-on-his-luck-ex-fighter, the troubled family life, the redemption arc. It would have been easy for this to be a film with an 80's power-ballad training montage and an "ultimate victory" moment, however, the film steers away from being a Hollywood crowd pleaser, and maintains it's gritty bleakness throughout.

Toby Kebbell's performance as Sal is fantastic. He is believable throughout whether it be the boxing training scenes or the plight of the underachieving father. He can say a lot without actually saying it. His mannerisms and tone of delivery does a lot of the work for him, the sign of a truly great actor.

Then there's Shia LaBoeuf. In the first moment he's on screen and you realise he's doing a strong Irish accent, you realise that this is a strong performance from the actor. He's authentic and really well put together.

I went into Salvable not expecting to be blown away but I really enjoyed the performances, the story and the setting. This film was made by someone who wanted to show an authentic look at life rather than a glamorous redemption story.

Its not a pretty movie. Its captured someplace in Ireland. Gray, cold, damp, desolate, solemn looking place. You hardly see anyone around, which I thought was odd. Gave me that Twilight Zone feel.

The acting is done well. Story is drama filled, with life and its consequences of bad and right decisions. You become the subject looking out to the world in his eyes. He's tenacious, patient and willing to do right thing. But those past habits always seem to be, not so far away. Boxing is thing out there. I figured it was predominately pubs and factories. Which adds historical interest. Its slow paced, but situations keep the interest moving. I would say the movie will be better received from matured audience. People that have lived and encountered similar situations.

Why the pundits gave it 4 stars is beyond me. I would crack it around 7.

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.

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.

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 !