Review of Salvage (2006) by Dorothy H — 13 Nov 2009

Salvage (AKA Gruesome) is by no means a horror classic, but for what it sets out to do, with the resources at hand, it is a success.

One of the main questions you will primarily ask yourself is what could have been, if this movie did have a bigger budget and more known people behind it. While that remains theory, and I'm sure there will be a remake of this movie someday, all horror movies are these days after all, perhaps it is the films no-name element that adds to its charm. It's raw and rough around the edges, but in some ways that's a good thing. It kind of reminds me of the horrors from the late 70s, early 80s. It?s a B movie that over achieves in some areas if you will.

When I discovered the premise of this movie I had an immediate interest to watch it. Claire, a young lady in a quiet town is reliving a nightmare existence in which she is murdered over and over again. At the point where she is murdered she wakes up immediately at the same point, behind the cash register at work, having to endure it all again. Sounds like a twisted version of Groundhog Day, but this does have two added elements that make it more engaging. Groundhog Day never explains why Phil has to relive every day over and over, this movie does eventually explain its whys and hows in a way that is justifying and clever. The other element is Claire is walking a wire of knowing her killer and tormentor is out there and she not only has to avoid him, but also attempt to discover the truth.

It's an interesting stage that is set, and what is a clever idea does eventually deliver to an end that justifies the means. There are plenty of "what the hell?" moments, and there are times when you just want to kill Claire yourself for being so stupid, but again, the ending will bring you to a point of understanding and fulfillment. You will want to watch this one again and smile at the little hints that were there along the way. I will give none away, but the clues are there to be seen and heard.

This movie does rely on the story a lot because it does suffer from a low budget production. The acting is ok, while not Oscar worthy it is solid enough to not be considered cheesy. The soundtrack (largely from the band Devola) is again ok in parts, but also awkward in others. The music sometimes sets a great tension but at other times is like nails on a chalkboard. While the low budget elements do lead to the movie suffering it is the story that is its strength, and makes it totally worthwhile.

Most viewers like movies that have good twists, and a good story. These are usually achieved these days in thrillers, not horror movies, so it's nice to see a horror movie that does carry some originality. In a time where there is very little fresh horror items on the menu this one (albeit 3 years old) was a nice surprise. Usually if horror movies ask questions during their story playing out we are not satisfied with the answers that we get when the twist occurs, or when the penny drops. That is not the case with Salvage. It will never be listed as anyone's favorite, but it should be one of those films you like to throw on every once in a while late at night, or show it to your friends with a small pride that you were the one who put them on to it.

I hope the Crook brothers receive a little more encouragement (and funds) with their next production.