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Entertainment • Film

Salt

Salt is a 2010 American action thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Kurt Wimmer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Salt is a 2010 American action thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Kurt Wimmer. It stars Angelina Jolie as CIA officer Evelyn Salt, who is accused of being a Russian sleeper agent and goes on the run to clear her name. The film also features Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Plot

The story follows CIA officer Evelyn Salt after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. She goes on the run, using her training to evade capture while trying to prove her loyalty and protect her family.

Cast and production

Angelina Jolie stars as the title character, with Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daniel Olbrychski, and August Diehl in supporting roles. Phillip Noyce directed the film from Kurt Wimmer’s screenplay, and Columbia Pictures distributed it.

Release and reception

Salt was released in 2010 as a PG-13 action thriller. It received Oscar nomination recognition on IMDb.

Themes and genre

The film blends spy-thriller and action elements, focusing on identity, loyalty, deception, and pursuit. Its narrative centres on a CIA officer whose credibility is questioned by those around her.

Key facts

  • Angelina Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative accused of being a Russian sleeper agent.
  • The film was directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Kurt Wimmer.
  • It was released in 2010 and is an American action thriller.
  • The plot follows Salt as she flees and tries to prove her innocence.
  • The film also features Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
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Canadian context

Salt was released in Canada through major home-entertainment and streaming platforms, and Canadian English-language listings describe it as a PG-13 action thriller starring Angelina Jolie.

Frequently asked questions

What is Salt about?
It follows CIA officer Evelyn Salt, who is accused of being a Russian sleeper agent and goes on the run to clear her name.
Who stars in Salt?
Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, with Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor in supporting roles.
Who directed Salt?
Phillip Noyce directed Salt.
Who wrote Salt?
Kurt Wimmer wrote the screenplay for Salt.
When was Salt released?
Salt was released in 2010.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(2010_film)
    Supports: Release year, director, writer, cast, and basic plot description.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944835/
    Supports: Runtime, genre, cast, and that it was nominated for one Oscar.
  3. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Salt?id=ahp7xC264bk&hl=en_CA
    Supports: Canadian English synopsis, runtime, rating, and plot description.
  4. YouTube / Columbia Pictures — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ40WlshNwU
    Supports: Official trailer details including release date, director, screenplay, cast, and genre.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70118402
    Supports: Synopsis, genre classification, and cast listing.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1213717-salt
    Supports: Director, producer, screenwriter, distributor, rating, genre, and theatrical release date.