The Lost Art of Suspense: Why ‘Salt’ remains a timeless Thriller

Film review: ‘Salt’ — How come this movie never had a sequel?

Hollywood a decade ago, before the craze of superhero films, game adaptations, Star Wars sequels, and reboots, had a sense of originality, with films like the 2010 blockbuster Salt leading the way to thrill audiences.

The film, as far back as 2010, had a unique narrative compared to recent spy movie thrillers we see in Hollywood today. Starring the then-Hollywood heartthrob Angelina Jolie, Salt featured Jolie as Evelyn Salt, a Russian sleeper agent on the run from the CIA after being outed by a supposed Russian defector, Oleg Vassily Orlov.

The movie utilizes a complex narrative that leaves the audience in suspense and constantly doubting Salt’s motives throughout the film, right up to the very end. Viewers are left questioning whether Angelina Jolie’s character is who she claims to be or if she’s playing a long game on the other characters. Is she good or bad? Is she on America’s side or not?

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Salt also forces us to question the motives of other characters, with the narrative and the performances of co-stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Liev Schreiber maintaining the suspense as the story builds. The film explores themes of regional politics, nationalism, and patriotism, subtly asking: what lengths would anyone go to for their country?

In today’s Hollywood, such originality is often lacking in blockbuster releases, with film producers and directors frequently preferring spectacle over substance. Salt dabbled in contemporary issues, offering a pseudo-reflection on how espionage between intelligence agencies of hostile nations can influence regional or global politics. The film metaphorically acts as a ‘seer’ in today’s world, making us question the information fed to us by governments and media as regards global or regional conflicts.

In the 2010 movie, Evelyn Salt is presented as a Russian sleeper spy meant to incite conflict between the U.S., Russia, and the Islamic world. However, the twist reveals that despite her background, she genuinely has America’s interests at heart, adding complexity to the narrative. The movie effectively uses cognitive dissonance to engage the audience, keeping them invested in the unfolding story.

Modern-day Hollywood rarely keeps viewers this invested in a movie’s premise without relying on flashy aesthetics or clichéd action movie tropes. The worst part is that films are often made not for originality but as cash grabs. The Fast and Furious franchise, for instance, often elicits an eye roll. But what about Salt?

This movie, with its intriguing premise, had the potential to spark a franchise exploring countless themes that most blockbuster releases fail to achieve. So, why did director Phillip Noyce and writer Kurt Wimmer stop at just the 2010 film?

Based on what was released in cinemas, it is clear that the film had significant potential. Even though the director’s cut isn’t canon, its suggestion that the U.S. President could be a Russian sleeper agent made things even more compelling for a sequel. So why was a sequel never made?

When Salt hit theaters in 2010, it quickly became a commercial success, grossing nearly $300 million worldwide—a substantial sum before Marvel Studios made $500 million grosses look average for a blockbuster. The action-thriller’s appeal, though bolstered by its star Angelina Jolie, captivated audiences with its high-octane action sequences and unexpected plot twists. The film’s use of cognitive dissonance made the plot twists not just highlights but essential elements that enriched its themes—what do we really know?

The film’s ambiguous ending left many doors open for continuation. However, as is often the case in modern Hollywood, no creative personality had the courage to pursue a Salt sequel that could match the quality of the first film.

Though films like Mission Impossible have redefined action thriller blockbusters over the years, removing its lead and the stunt sequences would reduce it to another generic Hollywood action film. In contrast, even without Angelina Jolie, Salt stands its ground as a compelling thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.