The Salvation

The Salvation 2015

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Plot Summary


Following the Second Schleswig War of 1864, Danish war veterans Jon and his brother Peter decide to emigrate to the United States, settling in the vast territory between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Seven years later, in 1871, Jon’s wife Marie and their 10-year-old son Kresten finally join him. Their joyful reunion is short-lived, as they board a stagecoach to their new home while Peter remains behind. However, tragedy strikes when their coach is overtaken by Paul and Lester, two recently released convicts. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the criminals violently throw Jon out of the moving carriage, leading to the heinous rape and murder of his wife and the brutal killing of his son, as well as the stagecoach driver and guard.

Determined to avenge his family, Jon pursues the coach only to discover the horrific fate that has befallen his loved ones. Overwhelmed with rage, he confronts the two convicts and exacts his revenge. Unbeknownst to Jon, Paul is the brother of Henry Delarue, a notorious gang leader and land baron with a malevolent reputation. Enraged by his brother’s death, Delarue responds by slaughtering three innocent residents of Black Creek, the town that reported the incident. He then coerces the townspeople into assisting him in finding Jon, who is now his primary target. Once an honorable army colonel who fought Native Americans, Delarue is described as a man warped by the very war he once served in.

After burying his wife and son, Jon resolves to leave the town with Peter, selling his land to Mayor Keane—the local undertaker. However, their escape is thwarted when the town’s sheriff and minister, Mallick, captures them. Mallick informs Jon that his sacrifice may buy the town additional time as he attempts to relay the truth about Delarue’s actions to higher authorities. As tensions rise, it becomes apparent that Delarue is in cahoots with the Standard Atlantic Oil Company, using Mayor Keane’s influence to unlawfully acquire valuable land rich in untapped oil resources. Meanwhile, Madelaine, Delarue’s mute sister-in-law who acts as his accountant, suffers under his oppressive and abusive thumb.

The following morning, Jon is taken to Delarue’s lair in an abandoned town, where he is cruelly bound and left to suffer in the sun. Utilization of courage and quick thinking allows Peter to escape prison and eliminate several of Delarue’s henchmen to free Jon. Sadly, Peter sacrifices himself during their escape, allowing Jon to press on alone. Seizing the moment while Delarue is distracted, Madelaine attempts to flee with stolen cash but is captured before she can escape.

Desperately searching for survival, Jon wanders the wilderness until he finds refuge in the home of Mrs. Whistler, a widow whose husband was one of Delarue’s victims. As Jon recovers, he takes it upon himself to confront and avenge the betrayal of Mayor Keane. Armed and fueled by vengeance, he employs guerrilla tactics to pick off Delarue’s men one by one. Thus, the stakes rise; tragedy befalls young Voichek, the storekeeper who aided Jon, leading to an accidental fire that liberates Madelaine from captivity.

Just when all seems lost, Delarue confronts Jon, vowing to end his life. In a gripping moment of reckoning, Madelaine unexpectedly turns the tide by shooting Delarue twice, allowing Jon to deliver the final blow. As Sheriff Mallick and his deputies rush to the scene, they thank Jon for his bravery. When they attempt to detain Madelaine, Jon defies them, declaring his intention to take her away from the darkness of their past. The two set off together, leaving the aftermath of their harrowing experience behind, as the looming threat of the oil company’s takeover remains.

Timeline


Emigration to the United States

After the Second Schleswig War of 1864, Danish war veterans Jon and Peter decide to leave their homeland. They settle in the expansive territory between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains in search of a better life.

1864 United States

Family Reunion

Seven years later, in 1871, Jon's wife Marie and their 10-year-old son Kresten finally arrive in America. The joyful reunion is marked by hope as the family prepares to start anew together.

1871 United States

Tragic Stagecoach Ride

While journeying to their new home, tragedy strikes when Jon, Marie, and Kresten board a stagecoach. Their joy turns to horror as they are ambushed by Paul and Lester, two recently released convicts.

1871 On the way to their new home

Murder and Loss

In a brutal attack, Jon is thrown out of the moving stagecoach, leading to the horrific rape and murder of his wife Marie and the fatal killing of his son Kresten, along with the coach driver and guard. This event marks a devastating turning point for Jon.

1871 On the stagecoach

Quest for Revenge

Overcome with grief and rage, Jon pursues the criminals in an attempt to avenge his family's tragic fate. The journey transforms him into a man driven by vengeance as he confronts Paul and Lester.

Delarue's Wrath

After Jon's confrontation with Paul, the criminal's brother, Henry Delarue, retaliates against the town of Black Creek. He slaughters three innocent residents in a chilling act of vengeance, making Jon his primary target.

Black Creek

Jon's Sacrifice

Following the burial of his wife and son, Jon decides to escape Black Creek with Peter. However, their plans are thwarted when Sheriff Mallick captures them, hinting that Jon's presence might buy the town time to relay the truth about Delarue's actions.

Black Creek

Deceit Uncovered

It is revealed that Delarue has formed a partnership with the Standard Atlantic Oil Company, using Mayor Keane to seize valuable land rich in oil. This revelation adds complexity to the escalating conflict and corrupt interests at play.

Black Creek

Peter's Heroic Sacrifice

After being taken to Delarue's lair, Jon is cruelly bound and left to suffer. In a daring move, Peter escapes from prison to save his brother, but ultimately sacrifices his life to ensure Jon can continue the fight alone.

Abandoned Town

Refuge and Recovery

Wandering the wilderness after his devastation, Jon finds refuge with Mrs. Whistler, a widow whose husband was also a victim of Delarue. During his recovery, he plans his next moves against those who betrayed him.

Mrs. Whistler's home

Guerrilla Warfare

Fueled by vengeance, Jon adopts guerrilla tactics to take down Delarue's men one by one. His methods are ruthless and calculated as he seeks to even the score for his family's wrongful deaths.

Madelaine's Conflicted Loyalty

In a twist of fate, Madelaine, Delarue's mute sister-in-law, makes an attempt to flee with stolen cash but is ultimately captured. Her struggle under Delarue's abuse paints a tragic picture of loyalty and desperation.

Climactic Confrontation

In a dramatic showdown, Jon confronts Delarue, who vows to end his life. The tide turns when Madelaine unexpectedly shoots Delarue, enabling Jon to deliver the final fatal blow to his nemesis.

Thankful Sheriff

As Sheriff Mallick and his deputies arrive, they express their gratitude to Jon for his bravery in defeating Delarue. The law is grateful for his actions, but the complex situation raises questions about justice and revenge.

A New Beginning

With the chaos behind them, Jon decides to take Madelaine away from the darkness of their past. Together, they leave the town, setting off into the unknown as they abandon the tragedy and looming threats of the oil company's takeover.

Characters


Jon

A Danish war veteran fueled by grief and rage after losing his family to brutal criminals. His character transitions from a hopeful émigré to a relentless avenger, demonstrating resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Jon embodies traits of loyalty and determination, becoming a symbol of justice in a lawless land.

🗡️ Avenger 🇩🇰 Veteran 😠 Grief

Delarue

Henry Delarue is the malevolent gang leader whose actions propel the conflict in the story. Once a decorated army colonel, he becomes corrupted by power and revenge, embodying the moral degradation that follows the war. His ruthless nature creates a chilling antagonist, challenging Jon in a deadly game of wits.

👑 Antagonist ⚔️ Corruption 🔥 Ruthless

Madelaine

Madelaine serves as a tragic figure caught in Delarue's oppressive grip, representing the victims of his tyranny. Despite her silence, she exhibits strength and courage, ultimately aiding Jon in confronting the darkness of their shared past. Her character illustrates the impact of familial loyalty and the struggle for autonomy.

🤐 Silent 🦸‍♀️ Courage 🔗 Victim

Setting


Time period

1864-1871

The narrative spans from the aftermath of the Second Schleswig War of 1864 to 1871, a period marked by upheaval and the quest for new beginnings. This era witnessed significant migration as war veterans and their families sought solace and a second chance in the expanding frontiers of America.

Location

United States, Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, Black Creek

The movie primarily takes place in the vast wilderness of the United States, between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Black Creek is a pivotal town known for its struggles against a powerful land baron and the egregious events that unfold there. The setting reflects the harsh realities faced by individuals seeking a new life in a land rife with lawlessness and conflict.

🏞️ Wilderness 🏙️ Town 🌊 River ⛰️ Mountains

Themes


💔

Loss & Revenge

The themes of loss and revenge are central to the film, as Jon navigates the harrowing aftermath of his family's tragic demise. The depth of his grief compels him to seek justice, blurring the lines between righteousness and vengeance. This theme resonates throughout the plot, highlighting the devastating impacts of loss on the human psyche.

⚖️

Justice

Justice is a prevalent theme as Jon embarks on a dark journey to right the wrongs done to his loved ones. Throughout the film, the moral complexities of seeking vengeance are explored, raising questions about the justice system's failure and the lengths one will go for retribution.

🏴‍☠️

Corruption

Corruption is embodied in the figure of Henry Delarue, whose power and influence corrupt local authorities and the community. The film critiques the intertwining of greed, violence, and political manipulation, especially as Delarue exploits his connections with the Standard Atlantic Oil Company for personal gain.

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