I was shocked speechless last year when I finally watched Emerald Fennell’s debut feature, 2020’s Promising Young Woman. I had also heard of Saltburn and in the lead up to its release I realised that it was directed by Fennell, which instantly excited me. Unfortunately, despite living in London, I couldn’t seem to find a showtime that suited my schedule. Thankfully though I didn’t have to wait long for the film to hit streaming and whilst I think it certainly would have been an interesting experience to see on the big screen, I must say I’m very glad I decided to wait until after Christmas to watch it as it’s not exactly a wholesome family film.
Oliver (Barry Keoghan) has just begun his studies at Oxford University and becomes quickly enamoured by the enigmatic and wealthy Felix (Jacob Elordi). The two become friends and after learning about Oliver’s troubled home life, Felix invites him to stay at his family home, Saltburn, along with his family, mother Elspeth (Rosamund Pike), father James (Richard E Grant), sister Venetia (Allison Oliver), and cousin & fellow Oxford student Farleigh (Archie Madekwe). But Oliver’s growing infatuation with Felix turns obsessive, desiring to become a part of the family however he can.
Oliver (Barry Keoghan) has just begun his studies at Oxford University and becomes quickly enamoured by the enigmatic and wealthy Felix (Jacob Elordi). The two become friends and after learning about Oliver’s troubled home life, Felix invites him to stay at his family home, Saltburn, along with his family, mother Elspeth (Rosamund Pike), father James (Richard E Grant), sister Venetia (Allison Oliver), and cousin & fellow Oxford student Farleigh (Archie Madekwe). But Oliver’s growing infatuation with Felix turns obsessive, desiring to become a part of the family however he can.
Very much following in the thematic footsteps of Promising Young Woman, Saltburn is far from subtle with its portrayal of classism. Similarly gratuitous as films like Fight Club with its more unsavoury material, Saltburn could seem like a petulant attempt at shocking rather than containing substance, but for me the shocks acted as the punchline, and they always landed.
Oliver’s descent is gripping to witness, and when you think you’ve got everything figured out Fennell pulls the rug out from under you with a number of twists that left me lost for words. But one big question was on my lips after the film ended, and that was Oliver’s motive.
It’s hard not to talk about this without spoilers, so you’ve been warned, but it’s revealed late in the story that Oliver had planned everything from the moment he met Felix. That their meeting had not been a matter of chance, but a carefully orchestrated scheme set in motion by Oliver to get close to Felix, befriend him, and then…take his entire family’s estate and fortune? Yeah, even I can’t suspend my disbelief that much. What was Oliver’s reasons for doing this? How much had Oliver planned out? There’re just far too many things that need to go that exact way for what happens to happen, and as much as I enjoyed Saltburn I must say I’m left somewhat perplexed by how much happens because of convenience, or at least it seems that way.
The entire cast deliver excellent performances. I had apprehensions about Madekwe because of his really rather awful performance in Gran Truism earlier in the year. But here he proves what he’s capable of and stands toe to toe with the likes of Pike and Grant. But it is Keoghan and Elordi that steal the show here. I’ve only ever seen Elordi in HBO’s Euphoria where he plays the nasty and creepy Nate, so seeing this different side to him was great and he conveys sincere compassion as Felix. Keoghan meanwhile has been going from strength to strength over the last few years and the way he transforms Oliver from this shy and silent outsider into a manipulative and evil psychopath whilst never ceasing to be a compelling protagonist is beautiful to watch.
Oliver’s descent is gripping to witness, and when you think you’ve got everything figured out Fennell pulls the rug out from under you with a number of twists that left me lost for words. But one big question was on my lips after the film ended, and that was Oliver’s motive.
It’s hard not to talk about this without spoilers, so you’ve been warned, but it’s revealed late in the story that Oliver had planned everything from the moment he met Felix. That their meeting had not been a matter of chance, but a carefully orchestrated scheme set in motion by Oliver to get close to Felix, befriend him, and then…take his entire family’s estate and fortune? Yeah, even I can’t suspend my disbelief that much. What was Oliver’s reasons for doing this? How much had Oliver planned out? There’re just far too many things that need to go that exact way for what happens to happen, and as much as I enjoyed Saltburn I must say I’m left somewhat perplexed by how much happens because of convenience, or at least it seems that way.
The entire cast deliver excellent performances. I had apprehensions about Madekwe because of his really rather awful performance in Gran Truism earlier in the year. But here he proves what he’s capable of and stands toe to toe with the likes of Pike and Grant. But it is Keoghan and Elordi that steal the show here. I’ve only ever seen Elordi in HBO’s Euphoria where he plays the nasty and creepy Nate, so seeing this different side to him was great and he conveys sincere compassion as Felix. Keoghan meanwhile has been going from strength to strength over the last few years and the way he transforms Oliver from this shy and silent outsider into a manipulative and evil psychopath whilst never ceasing to be a compelling protagonist is beautiful to watch.
Fennell presents a visual feast with Saltburn too. Adopting a 4:3 aspect ratio and liberal use of film grain gives Linus Sandgren’s gorgeous shots of Saltburn and the surrounding grounds a hauntingly cozy feel. Despite its imposing size and labyrinthian design, Saltburn manages to feel like home, one that has its claws deep in you.
I really loved Saltburn. Maybe not quite as much as Promising Young Woman, but I’m absolutely going to be rewatching this soon. I love the story, and Oliver’s character is simply fascinating to me. The brilliant performances all round make this a delight to watch, and Keoghan truly chills. If you’re after a messed up psychological drama, then Saltburn should be right up your street.
I really loved Saltburn. Maybe not quite as much as Promising Young Woman, but I’m absolutely going to be rewatching this soon. I love the story, and Oliver’s character is simply fascinating to me. The brilliant performances all round make this a delight to watch, and Keoghan truly chills. If you’re after a messed up psychological drama, then Saltburn should be right up your street.