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Horror thriller

Saloum (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Saloum (2022) movie poster

Saloum is a 2022 horror thriller directed by Jean Luc Herbulot, starring Yann Gael as Chaka, Evelyne Ily Juhen and Roger Sallah. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and earned $5,078 worldwide. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$5.1K
Echo Score
85
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Saloum (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Genres
Thriller , Horror
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Saloum About?

The premise of Saloum without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

After fleeing a coup, a group of legendary mercenaries known as the Bangui Hyenas seek refuge at a remote seaside retreat. As they attempt to lay low, old tensions resurface, complicated by the presence of a mysterious mute woman named Awa and the dark secrets of their leader, Chaka. The fragile peace is shattered when their past catches up to them, unleashing a wave of violence that threatens everyone's survival and forces them to confront their inner demons.

Saloum Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • supernatural thriller
  • 2000s
  • year 2003
  • africa
  • mercenary
  • senegal
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Cast & crew

Saloum Cast & Characters

Yann Gael leads the cast as Chaka, with Evelyne Ily Juhen as Awa and Roger Sallah as Rafa. Directed by Jean Luc Herbulot; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Saloum

· 6 more
Ratings

Saloum Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Saloum 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

85 /100

Saloum Echo Score Breakdown

Saloum presents a bold, genre‑blending experience that largely succeeds through its confident direction and striking visual palette. Critics and viewers note the film’s energetic pacing and inventive mix of horror, action and folklore, though some point to occasional narrative clutter. The performances and character dynamics receive commendation, contributing to an engaging, if at times uneven, story. Overall the film offers a fresh, memorable entry in African‑inspired cinema, appealing to audiences who appreciate stylistic ambition.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, Saloum is frequently praised for its confident direction and precise visual composition. Reviewers highlight the film’s bold use of color, fluid camera movement, and meticulous production design that evoke both mythic and realistic tones. While a few note occasional uneven editing, the overall consensus affirms a high level of technical proficiency.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating character and emotion, critics and viewers commend the depth and texture of the ensemble, noting distinct personalities and strong chemistry, particularly among the mercenary trio. Performances are described as nuanced and emotionally resonant, with standout moments such as a deaf character’s sign‑language presence. Minor critiques mention occasional under‑development, yet the prevailing view is that the characters effectively anchor the film’s genre shifts.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, Saloum’s plot is admired for its ambitious, genre‑blending structure and fast‑paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged. The originality of mixing crime thriller elements with supernatural folklore receives particular praise. Conversely, some reviewers point to an overload of plot points and occasional pacing lapses that can hinder coherence. Overall, the storyline is seen as inventive yet unevenly managed.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    In terms of sensory experience, the film is repeatedly lauded for its striking visual style, including vivid color palettes and atmospheric cinematography that reinforce its mythic setting. Sound design and musical cues effectively enhance tension, though specific commentary on the soundtrack is limited. The overall sensory impression is one of immersive, stylized horror that supports the narrative’s tonal shifts.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Rewatch factor for Saloum is generally positive, with many viewers describing it as a hidden gem that rewards repeat viewings through its layered genre shifts and rich visual world. The film’s energetic pacing and memorable characters encourage audiences to revisit its inventive blend of horror and folklore. While some note that narrative density may limit immediate repeat appeal, the consensus suggests lasting interest for fans of bold, stylistic cinema.

Plot

Saloum Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Saloum from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The Hyenas of Bangui follows a trio of elite African mercenaries—Chaka, Rafa, and Minuit—who are enlisted to extract the notorious Mexican drug lord Felix from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, amidst the chaos of a coup d’état in 2003. Their mission promises a hefty reward: a briefcase filled with gold. However, their plans take a dark turn when sabotage leads to a leak in their airplane, forcing an emergency landing in a secluded area of Senegal’s Sine-Saloum region.

Full summary

The whole story of Saloum, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Saloum Box Office

Saloum grossed $5,078 worldwide.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$5.1K

US & Canada
$5.1K
Videos

Saloum Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 clips.

Official Trailer
  • Clip "Donations" Clip
  • Clip "Go Ahead" Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Saloum?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the mercenary group in the movie?

Cars

Cars in Saloum

18 cars on screen, including the CF Moto X8 Terralander and the TGB Blade.

All 18 cars
  • CF Moto X8 Terralander in Saloum CF Moto X8 Terralander Important role
  • TGB Blade in Saloum TGB Blade Important role
  • 2010 Chevrolet Equinox in Saloum 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Minor role
  • 1997 Mitsubishi L-200 in Saloum 1997 Mitsubishi L-200 Minor role
Details

Saloum Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “烈殺令” and “살룸의 하이에나”.

Also known as
  • 烈殺令
  • 살룸의 하이에나
  • Салум
  • سالوم
  • 烈杀令
  • ซาลูม แค้นปลุกนรก

Seen Saloum?

FAQ

Saloum FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Saloum, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Saloum?

Saloum runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was Saloum released?

Saloum was released on September 2, 2022.

Who directed Saloum?

Saloum was directed by Jean Luc Herbulot.

More films by Jean Luc Herbulot

Who is in the cast of Saloum?

Saloum stars Yann Gael as Chaka, Evelyne Ily Juhen as Awa and Roger Sallah as Rafa, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Saloum make at the box office?

Saloum grossed $5,078 worldwide.

How is Saloum rated?

Saloum has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Saloum have a post-credit scene?

No. Saloum has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Saloum in?

The original language of Saloum is French.

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