Salvage is a 2009 British horror film directed by Lawrence Gough, following residents in a suburban street who find themselves isolated from the outside world after an emergency.
A group of residents in a cul-de-sac are plunged into a horrifying world of violence, terror and paranoia. Quarantined by the military and ordered to stay indoors, a single mother must overcome all the odds to save her daughter from the danger within…
Reviews
“Salvage is an impressively directed, suitably atmospheric horror flick with a script that keeps you guessing and a terrific central performance from Neve McIntosh. The low budget works exceptionally well in the film’s favour, helping give it an exhilaratingly realistic feel. Lawrence Gough’s debut film examines the effects of an unknown fear on ordinary people. It is left to both the protagonists and the audience to try to piece together what is actually going on.” Horror Asylum
“…The low budget often and surprisingly proves to be one of the film’s biggest strengths. The film is confined to the cul-de-sac, and for bulk of the film, a single house therein. The claustrophobic ambiance naturally creates a sort of tension that’s tough to replicate in a lot of movies with similar scenarios. A pretty tense encounter with a creaky attic comes to mind, and it’s not alone in Salvage’s shining moments. It’s not quite a classic, but for a tiny budget and debut director, there’s a lot to like. It’s perhaps not worth the bloated price of admission to your local theater; but a rental on a rainy day? Sounds like a plan.” 8th Circuit
“…The basic feeling of Salvage is that of social realist drama meets Alien – like somebody picked up a vicious creature and dropped it in the middle of a Ken Loach film to do its business, and it’s very effective. As soon as the military arrive, the main focus of the film (surprising considering the opening scenes) switches to Beth and her frantic attempts to get to Jodie and ensure she is safe while neighbours die around her. Trapped along with her is Kieran, a very well developed character who turns out to be not only adulterous, but a good “everyman”…Every character has flaws but redeems them in a number of ways. In a low-budget, intimate flick such as this, characterisation and performances are key, and Gough and Co. have pretty much nailed it…” Dread Central