Film4 is treating viewers to a high-octane cinematic experience tonight with the broadcast of the 2010 action spy thriller Salt, starring Angelina Jolie in a role that fans have hailed as 'phenomenal' and worthy of a perfect 10/10 score.
From CIA Officer to Fugitive
The film centres on Evelyn Salt, a dedicated CIA officer portrayed by Jolie, whose life is upended when a defector publicly accuses her of being a Russian sleeper agent. Forced to go on the run, Salt must use every ounce of her extensive training and field experience to evade capture by her own colleagues. As she fights to clear her name, each move she makes only seems to deepen the suspicion around her, creating a gripping cat-and-mouse narrative.
A Film Forged in Stuntwork
Salt boasts a fascinating production history. The script was originally conceived for a male lead, with Tom Cruise attached for a Mission: Impossible-style project before he departed. The part was subsequently rewritten for Angelina Jolie, who embraced the physical demands of the role. Jolie performed many of her own daring stunts, including a breathtaking sequence where she leaps from a bridge onto a speeding container truck and then between moving vehicles.
This demanding physical regimen also served as a way for the star to regain her fitness after the birth of her twins. The film was a major box office success, grossing over $294 million worldwide, proving its global appeal.
Audience Acclaim and Legacy
Viewer reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes continue to praise the film years after its release. One fan described it as "a great movie with nonstop action from start to finish," while another called it "so badass" and highly recommended it. Many have expressed surprise at the film's twists, with one noting the "huge jaw-dropping moment" and "phenomenal" build-up. The performance of the supporting cast, including Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor, has also been commended. The consistent praise has led to longstanding calls from fans for a sequel that has yet to materialise.
Salt airs on Film4 at 11.15pm on Monday, 24 November. For fans of intelligent, action-packed spy thrillers based on wild true stories, this is essential viewing.
