This Lionsgate coming-of-age story is director Steve Franke’s tip of the hat to most preceding horse dramas—with a slight twist—in that there’s not much screen time for the starring horse.
Sloane Emerson (Taylor Foster) isn’t on screen for more than five seconds before her dire need for some equine therapy becomes apparent. Saving Sloane sets up a lot of room for character growth, revealing high levels of tension between the rebellious Sloane, her discouraged father Mitch (Jack O’Donnell), and her disinterested stepmother Peyton (Liz Cardenas). When Sloane is caught stealing alcohol from a restaurant with her “bad boy” boyfriend, it’s off to Peyton’s family ranch with her.
Enter Glory, a beautiful horse that catches Sloane’s eye, as well as another host of black-and-white characters. In stark contrast are the blatantly villainous ranch manager, Jordan Jensen (Farah White), and the sickly sweet step-aunt to Sloane, Lily Winters (Augustine Frizzell). When Sloane learns that Jordan is selling Glory, Lily’s horse, she’ll do anything to prove that he’s worth keeping. With help from several newfound allies at the ranch, Sloane demonstrates not only the horse’s worth but also her own, experiencing some heartwarming character growth in the process.
Though punctuated by stilted dialogue and stale acting, this family drama isn’t totally irredeemable. One plot point sees Sloane break away from a toxic relationship (albeit, only with guidance from another cute guy). Additionally, it emphasizes themes of second chances and family reconciliation. While Sloane’s household struggles are wrapped up untidily and quickly, the feel-good message is there.
The consensus is that Saving Sloane is a sweet story with tired tropes. As for the question of whether or not kids will like it: It’s a pass for children and teens who can sniff out superficiality, but a fair choice for those addicted to “a girl and her horse” stories. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers, as there is some drinking on screen. Not recommended. Aud.: E, I, J, P.