
Savage Salvation
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Ultra-violent actioner has no saving grace; drugs, swearing.

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Savage Salvation
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What's the Story?
In SAVAGE SALVATION, newly engaged Shelby John (Jack Huston) and Ruby Red (Willa Fitzgerald), both of whom are dependent on heroin, commit to start their life together clean and sober. But their dealer (Swen Temmel) isn't ready to let two of his best clients go so easily.
Is It Any Good?
Director Randall Emmett's twisted attempt to imbue faith-based elements into a guns-and-glory vigilante action movie is appalling. Scripture is quoted throughout, and an extremely violent, rage-filled killing spree is biblically justified. A haunting version of "Amazing Grace" plays behind a slo-mo action sequence that sees the "good guy" blowing away baddies. And scenes involving baptism and crucifixion are warped and disturbing. Perhaps Emmett was trying to broaden the film's appeal with elements that would help it cross over into other markets, but the opportunistic pandering is obvious, and some may even see it as blasphemous. Ultimately, it's hard to say whether this is supposed to be a faith-based film or not, but it's likely people of faith would prefer that it's not.
While director of photography Eric Koretz is definitely talented, the entire shoot exemplifies the male gaze at its worst. Ruby Red is rarely fully dressed, and her only dimension is being beautiful -- even when in various unappealing conditions -- and she needs the strength of her man to cope. Even the strongest women characters are subservient to men, including when Ruby's mother expresses her dismay that Shelby didn't come to her to ask for Ruby's hand in marriage, and he sharply puts her in her place. And while characters involved in the movie's drug trafficking operation are multiracial, the ones who are brutally evil are all people of color. The only thing that doesn't disappoint is co-star John Malkovich, who can always be counted on to overdeliver.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Savage Salvation. Do you think it was necessary to the story? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect?
What factors contribute to alcoholism and drug abuse? What challenges do those with substance dependencies face? How are they typically portrayed in the media?
What's meant by the filmmaking term "the male gaze"? Do you think that applies here? Why, or why not? Why is it considered damaging to women?
Who do you think is the intended audience for Savage Salvation? What elements did you factor in to make that assessment?
At the time of the movie's release, producer-director Randall Emmett was contending with allegations and lawsuits involving professional and sexual misconduct and discrimination. What impact does the off-screen behavior of filmmakers have on your enjoyment of a movie or TV show?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 2, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: December 2, 2022
- Cast: Robert De Niro , Jack Huston , John Malkovich
- Director: Randall Emmett
- Studio: The Avenue
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong violence and drug use, and language throughout
- Last updated: November 12, 2023
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