At first glance, Saltburn may seem like just another cinematic exploration of a young newcomer’s quest to infiltrate the nonchalant world of affluent British aristocracy. However, as the narrative unfolds and layers unravel swiftly, it transforms into a riveting film that lingers in your thoughts – a gripping tale of obsession that’ll stick with you.
It pays homage to The Talented Mr. Ripley and ventures even further. Emerald Fennell, known for her brilliant work in Killing Eve and Promising Young Woman, skillfully builds a psychological thriller that delves into complete obsession, elevating it above the mundane tales often encountered. With this cinematic gem, you’re in for a ride! Saltburn isn’t for the faint of heart. This is not your average feel-good movie; it’s a rollercoaster of obsession that’ll leave you on the edge.
The Dark Side of Lust
Emerald Fennell fearlessly exposes the twisted nature of sexual desire in this film, celebrating the dark side of lust with a blood-smeared grin. While the film follows a familiar path of obsession and deceit, Saltburn becomes a mad feast of fashion, killer tunes, and the chaotic world of the rich where attraction meets repulsion – a uniquely harrowing, hilarious, and exhilarating thrill ride.
I protected him. I was honest with him. I understood him. I loved him. I loved him. I loved him, but was I in love with him?
Oliver (Barry Keoghan)
The Fabulous Cast
Barry Keoghan plays Oliver Quick, a young quirky guy on a scholarship at Oxford in 2006. He worked his tail off to get there, but the other students? Well, they pretty much just got in because of their fancy family names and big donations. But, Oliver really wants to be part of their cool fancy gang, especially to get close to their popular guy, Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi.
Despite the class differences, Oliver and Felix become quick friends. However this becomes more of an obsessive friendship where Oliver might mistake it for love and Felix simply tolerates his new friend, because – let’s face it – he loves the attention! When summer comes, Felix invites his less fortunate friend to hang out at his family’s super fancy estate.
The ludicrous portrait of this new world for Oliver is beautifully completed by the rest of the cast and we can start with the fabulous Rosamund Pike, who always shines in these complex bold roles. With a big smile and an easygoing vibe, she plays the mother, Elspeth, who welcomes the audience to Saltburn. She starts on a light, funny note and then throws at us a string of wild confessions that keep Oliver and us hooked. Her carefree cruelty is absolutely electrifying.
I was a lesbian for a while, you know, but it was all a bit too wet for me in the end. Men are so lovely and dry.
Elspeth (Rosamund Pike)
Carey Mulligan, the Oscar-nominated star of Promising Young Woman, teams up with Fennell again to portray a quirky friend of the family. Though her time on screen is short, she fills it with hilariously whimsical remarks and brutally funny reactions. To be honest, I would have seen the amazing Christina Ricci in this role and if you watch the movie, you’d know exactly what I mean 🙂 Nonetheless, Carey is amazing and the rest of the cast as well, so I highly recommend it! I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you by sharing more, so enjoy!!!
Fun Facts about Saltburn
- Margot Robbie produced the film.
- During filming, Rosamund Pike actually lived in the English estate where they were shooting the movie. Talk about getting into character!
- Some scenes, like Farleigh, played by Archie Madekwe and Oliver’s bedroom scene, as well as their chat at the A Midsummer Night’s Dream party, weren’t initially part of the script. It seems like they added some extra spice during filming!
- Believe it or not, getting the rights to use Mr. Brightside by The Killers in the film turned out to be the priciest song licensing deal. They really went big on the soundtrack!
- Barry Keoghan went all out while filming – he came up with five different versions of Oliver and even had a separate notebook for each one. Now this is great acting and dedication to the character!
