Saltburn

Saltburn (2023) is a darkly satirical thriller directed by Emerald Fennell, who gained significant attention with her 2020 Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman. This time, Fennell shifts gears into the world of social class, obsession, and privilege, with Saltburn offering a twisted commentary on wealth and desire. Starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, the film plays with themes of envy, social climbing, and the darkness that lurks beneath a seemingly perfect exterior. Plot Overview Saltburn revolves around Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan), a socially awkward university student who becomes enchanted by his wealthy classmate Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). After being invited to spend the summer with Felix and his family at their lavish estate, Saltburn, Oliver is drawn into a world of excess, decadence, and hedonism. As he grows closer to Felix’s family, Oliver’s obsession with them deepens, leading him down a dangerous and morally ambiguous path. The film weaves a tale of lust, greed, and betrayal as Oliver becomes increasingly entangled in the family's dark secrets. Themes and Tone One of the most striking elements of Saltburn is its exploration of social class and privilege. The contrast between Oliver’s humble, modest upbringing and Felix’s luxurious lifestyle is evident throughout the film, and this divide plays into the psychological tension of the story. Oliver’s infatuation with Felix and the Catton family is rooted in both envy and a desire to belong to a world that seems far beyond his reach. The film is a biting critique of wealth, excess, and the performance of happiness often associated with privilege. It's a commentary on the lengths people will go to in order to fit in or gain approval, and how these desires can lead to destructive consequences. There’s also a strong element of psychological horror in the film, with Fennell creating an atmosphere of unease and tension that builds as Oliver’s obsession spirals out of control. The film often plays with dark humor, offering moments of absurdity and satire, but always underpinned by a sense of unease. Performances The performances in Saltburn are electric. Barry Keoghan delivers a standout performance as Oliver, capturing his awkwardness, longing, and eventual moral unraveling with precision. Keoghan is known for his ability to embody complex, often unsettling characters, and here, he brilliantly portrays a man both enamored and repelled by the world he finds himself in. Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Euphoria, plays the charming and enigmatic Felix with an effortless coolness that contrasts perfectly with Oliver’s awkwardness. Their dynamic drives much of the film’s tension, with Oliver’s increasing obsession with Felix becoming a key theme. The supporting cast, including Rosamund Pike as Felix's mother and Richard E. Grant as his father, adds depth to the portrayal of this privileged family, each character representing different facets of wealth and power. Pike, in particular, is magnetic as the controlling and calculating mother, bringing a cold, commanding presence to the film. Cinematography and Style Emerald Fennell’s direction is visually stunning, with Saltburn featuring gorgeous cinematography that juxtaposes the beauty of the estate with the moral decay beneath the surface. The lavishness of the Catton family’s home, the formal gardens, and the opulent parties all serve as symbols of their wealth, but the camera often lingers on unsettling details, creating an atmosphere of discomfort. Fennell’s signature style similar to Promising Young Woman is present here as well. The pacing is sharp, with moments of absurdity and surrealism blending with tense, psychological moments. There’s an almost theatrical quality to the film, as if the characters are playing out roles in a drama, and the audience is left questioning what’s real and what’s part of Oliver’s delusion. Dark Humor and Satire The film is drenched in dark humor and biting satire. While there are moments of genuine tension, Fennell also skewers the world of the ultra-rich, using humor to underscore the absurdities of wealth, privilege, and the performative nature of society. The Catton family’s interactions, their self-absorption, and the shallow social rituals they engage in are exaggerated to highlight the emptiness of their lives. Comparisons to Promising Young Woman While Saltburn shares thematic elements with Promising Young Woman particularly in its critique of societal norms, the exploration of morality, and the focus on a protagonist who is morally ambiguous  Saltburn is a different kind of beast. Promising Young Woman was a revenge thriller, whereas Saltburn is more of a slow burn psychological drama with thriller and horror undertones. Both films, however, have a biting wit and a dark edge, with Fennell using her unique voice to expose uncomfortable truths. The Ending The film's conclusion is as twisted and unexpected as the rest of the narrative. Without giving away spoilers, the ending reinforces the movie's central themes of obsession, identity, and the consequences of trying to live someone else’s life. It’s a shockingly dark conclusion, leaving audiences with much to think about in terms of both the moral questions posed and the fate of its characters. Saltburn is a visually captivating and psychologically intense exploration of privilege, obsession, and the dangers of wanting something or someone too much. With stellar performances, especially from Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, and Emerald Fennell’s sharp direction, the film strikes a balance between dark humor, suspense, and a haunting critique of society. It may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy a thought-provoking, unsettling film that challenges societal norms, Saltburn is a must-watch. Key Takeaways: Dark satire about wealth, privilege, and obsession. Intense performances by Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Beautifully shot with a tense, atmospheric vibe. A psychological thriller with sharp humor and biting social commentary.