The Salvages

Loosely inspired by the religious epic of Judith, The Salvages is a boundary-pushing tale of lust, love, and wrath at the end of the world. It is a journey into the darkest shadows, and the slivers of light that sometimes unmake them. The story begins three days before an impending apocalypse. We follow Judith (J. Croft), who is incarcerated at the New Canaan Academy for Delinquents. NCAD is an ‘alternative’ to jail that has proven worse than Judith could have imagined. Judith is consistently menaced by Reverend Hoelting, the Academy’s abusive and predatory figurehead. Things begin to change, however, when Judith is approached by Abra, another NCAD ward whom she has admired for some time. Together, Judith and Abra find love and hope in each other. Ultimately, an inexplicable vision of a divine being calling itself ‘The Madonna’ inspires Judith to plot terrible wrath upon the person who has done her wrong.

Directed by Carrsan T. Morrissey, The Salvages leans on a strong ensemble — J. Croft, Jessica Buchanan, Joe Frenna — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 2024.