Salvable Review: When Boxing Dreams Meet Hard Reality in Britain’s Latest Knockout Drama

Remember when British boxing films were all about the glossy rags-to-riches story? Well, chuck that notion right out the window. Salvable, the gritty new drama from debut directors Bjorn Franklin and Johnny Marchetta, serves up something far meatier – and trust me, I’ve seen enough boxing flicks to know when one’s got the goods.

Toby Kebbell: The Heart and Soul of Salvable

In what might be his finest performance to date, Toby Kebbell brings a raw authenticity to Sal, an aging boxer-turned-care-worker who’s fighting battles both in and out of the ring. Having caught an early screening at the Glasgow Film Festival (where the audience was proper gobsmacked), I can confirm that Kebbell’s portrayal hits harder than any right hook.

The real magic lies in how Kebbell navigates Sal’s complicated relationships – with his daughter Molly (a brilliant Kla Lord Cassidy), his exasperated ex-wife Elaine (Elaine Cassidy), and most intriguingly, his childhood mate turned local hardman Vince.

Shia LaBeouf’s Irish Transformation: Mad as a Box of Frogs (But It Works!)

Speaking of Vince – cor, what a turn from Shia LaBeouf! Sporting a bleached barnet that one character brilliantly describes as being “hard to hear myself think over,” LaBeouf tackles an Irish accent with the same intensity he brings to everything. It’s bonkers, but somehow it works, adding another layer to this already rich character study.

Beyond the Boxing Ring: A Story of Modern Britain

While the “decent bloke gets mixed up with wrong’uns” plot might sound familiar, Franklin and Marchetta bring a fresh perspective to well-worn territory. The film’s portrayal of working-class life in 2025 Britain feels spot-on, from the trailer park setting to the bare-knuckle boxing underground.

FAQ: Your Salvable Questions Answered

Is Salvable based on a true story?

While the film draws inspiration from real-life boxing communities and Irish Traveller culture, the story itself is fictional. However, the directors spent two years researching these communities to ensure authenticity.

How violent is the boxing content?

The film contains several intense boxing sequences, both professional and bare-knuckle, but the violence isn’t gratuitous. The focus remains on character development rather than shock value.

Where was Salvable filmed?

The film was shot primarily in Manchester and Liverpool, with additional scenes filmed in County Kerry, Ireland.

The Verdict: A Proper British Drama Worth Your Time

While Salvable might not reinvent the wheel, it proves there’s still plenty of life in the British boxing drama. With standout performances from Kebbell and LaBeouf, plus direction that keeps you hooked until the final bell, it’s a film that punches well above its weight.

Does it sometimes feel familiar? Sure. But like a well-trained fighter, it’s all about execution – and Salvable delivers its story with precision, heart, and enough surprises to keep you on your toes. Give it a watch when it hits cinemas next month – you won’t regret it.

What do you reckon about this new wave of British boxing dramas? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – especially if you’ve got opinions about that wild hairdo of LaBeouf’s!