On-screen drama, real-life bond: Richard Gomez and Elijah Canlas in ‘Salvageland’

Elijah Canlas shares how Richard Gomez became like family on set—and why it made the film unforgettable.

“Who are we without our families?”

That’s what actor Elijah Canlas reflected on while building chemistry with his on-screen dad, veteran star Richard Gomez, on their latest crime-suspense film, “Salvageland.”

Generations divide the two actors, both in discipline and delivery on screen, but Gomez and Canlas found a sense of family in each other on set, proving this to be more important than performance.

For the OG dreamboy “Cong Goma,” what he saw in Canlas was his 25-year-old daughter Juliana. “Si Elijah kasi, kasing edad siya ni Juliana, so parang naging anak ko siya. The way I would talk to him in the scenes, it’s as if I’m talking to my daughter.”

His role in “Salvageland” as the commanding officer and father Sarge contrasted with his tender off-screen interactions with Canlas, who plays Jules. But Gomez knew how to keep his roles in check. He knew when to be stern and when to be empathetic with his son.

“I think all of us here have experienced a generational difference with a loved one at some point,” Canlas added. After starring in the Netflix-released film “Sunshine,” where the young actor played a neglectful father-to-be, Canlas emphasized that whatever the problem may be—or whatever differences in politics, beliefs, or values—it’s still family.

“He was so down-to-earth, grounded, and ready to collaborate with me, and ‘yong mga off-cam moments namin, they really helped. They helped us build chemistry and our relationship.”

Beyond the intense suspense, “Salvageland” is also a film about family and “clashing of values,” as described by its director Lino Cayetano. Beyond its action, it’s a heart-hitting thriller.

In the same way, that deeply rooted Filipino sense of filial piety threads through the film’s other dysfunctional ties. Even siblings-in-crime Caloy (McCoy de Leon) and Mia (Angela Morena) aren’t spared from this pull, choosing to save their unhinged older brother Donald (Mon Confiado) from his own romantic delusions.

“Salvageland” serves as a reminder that even in forced love and illicit family operations, blood—no matter how messy—will find its way back to blood.

“Salvageland,” written by Shugo Praico and coproduced by Rein Entertainment and Viva Films, continues to receive varied acclaim from film viewers, with some even calling for a sequel. The neo-Western suspense film is now on its third week in theaters nationwide, featuring powerhouse performances from Gomez, Canlas, Confiado, de Leon, Morena, and Cindy Miranda as Sally, Donald’s battered girlfriend.

 

 

Generations divide the two actors, both in discipline and delivery on screen, but Gomez and Canlas found a sense of family in each other on set, proving this to be more important than performance.

 

 

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