Overview: Saltburn is a 2023 black comedy thriller film written and directed by Academy Award winner Emerald Fennell. The film stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick, a student at Oxford University who finds himself drawn into the world of his wealthy and eccentric classmate Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi. The movie explores themes of privilege, manipulation, and obsession within an upper-class British setting.
Plot Summary: The story follows Oliver Quick, a struggling student at Oxford, who is invited by Felix Catton to his sprawling estate, Saltburn. Oliver, eager to escape his mundane life and attracted to the opulent lifestyle Felix represents, finds himself ensnared by the charismatic and manipulative Catton family. As Oliver becomes more involved with the Cattons, he discovers the dark undercurrents of wealth and control that govern their lives. The film’s narrative unfolds through a series of unsettling and bizarre events, revealing the secrets and power struggles within the Catton family.
Cast:
- Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick: The protagonist who is drawn into the world of Felix Catton.
- Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton: The charming yet troubled heir of Saltburn, whose life is marked by excess and dysfunction.
- Rosamund Pike as Elspeth Catton: Felix’s overbearing mother who controls the family dynamics with an iron fist.
- Alison Oliver as Venetia Catton: Felix’s sister who plays a pivotal role in the film’s psychological tension.
- Archie Madekwe as Farleigh Start: A friend of Felix’s who becomes a significant antagonist.
- Ewan Mitchell as Michael Gavey: Oliver’s Oxford roommate who helps him navigate his new environment.
- Carey Mulligan as Poor Dear Pamela: A character who adds complexity to the narrative through her interactions with Oliver.
Reception and Themes: Saltburn has been described as a “disturbing masterpiece” by critics and audiences alike. The film explores themes of privilege, desire, and manipulation, often through a darkly comedic lens. Critics have praised Fennell’s ability to blend suspense with satire, highlighting her keen sense of social commentary. The film’s visuals, cinematography by Linus Sandgren, and editing by Victoria Boydell have been particularly noted for their ability to set the unsettling mood and unravel the story slowly, peeling back layers of deception scene by scene.
The movie’s popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of horror-adjacent elements, making it a compelling watch for those looking for something beyond typical thriller fare. Saltburn challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about wealth, class, and human nature, drawing comparisons with Fennell’s earlier work, Promising Young Woman.
Critical and Audience Response: Saltburn received mixed reviews upon its release. While it holds a 7/10 rating on IMDb and 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have been divided on its merits, with some finding it beautifully crafted and others struggling with its disturbing content. The film’s ability to provoke thought and elicit strong reactions has made it a topic of discussion on platforms like Reddit, where viewers debated its classification as horror and its portrayal of upper-class excess.
The film’s box office grossed $21.1 million, reflecting both its niche appeal and the broad interest in its provocative themes. It is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion: Saltburn stands out as a film that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges its audience to think critically about the world of privilege and power. Emerald Fennell’s direction and the strong performances from the cast make it a must-watch for those interested in films that delve into the complexities of human relationships and societal structures. While not for everyone, Saltburn is undeniably a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder its disturbing moral landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Was Saltburn a flop? Saltburn was not considered a flop. Despite mixed reviews, it performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing $21.1 million. It also received a dedicated audience on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where it continued to attract viewers.
- What horror movie is banned in many countries? One example is The Exorcist (1973), which was banned in several countries due to its graphic content and themes. However, Saltburn is not typically categorized as a horror film, so this question may refer to different films entirely.
- Did Saltburn win an Oscar? Saltburn has not won any Oscars as of now. While the film was critically acclaimed, particularly for its screenplay and direction, it did not receive a nomination in major categories.
- Why is Saltburn so hard to watch? Saltburn can be challenging for viewers due to its disturbing and provocative content, including themes of manipulation, obsession, and class disparity. Its narrative can be unsettling, making it difficult for audiences sensitive to intense psychological drama.
- What is the moral of the film Saltburn? The moral of Saltburn reflects on the dangers of obsession with wealth and status, the impact of privilege on personal relationships, and the consequences of manipulation. It suggests a critique of societal norms and how they affect human behavior and morality.
- What myth is Saltburn based on? Saltburn does not directly reference a specific myth, but it draws on themes similar to classic tales of wealth, excess, and moral decay. The story’s setting in an English estate recalls the classic trope of the “cursed mansion” or the “decaying aristocracy.”
- Is Saltburn a weird movie? Saltburn could be considered “weird” due to its unique narrative structure, darkly comedic elements, and its exploration of taboo subjects. It’s unconventional in terms of storytelling and character development, which can be unsettling for some viewers.
- Did Oliver marry Elspeth? The film does not reveal whether Oliver marries Elspeth. Their relationship is complex and remains ambiguous, reflecting the overall themes of Saltburn—a tale of desire and control.
- What is Saltburn famous for? Saltburn is famous for its unsettling portrayal of wealth and privilege, its dark humor, and its commentary on societal excess. It has become a point of discussion for its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to provoke strong reactions from audiences.
- Is Saltburn a black comedy? Yes, Saltburn is classified as a black comedy. It combines elements of thriller and comedy, often using humor to highlight the darker, more sinister aspects of the characters’ lives and the world they inhabit.
- Why is Saltburn highly rated? Saltburn is highly rated for its direction by Emerald Fennell, its complex characters, and its ability to blend dark humor with serious social commentary. The film’s cinematography, performances, and nuanced storytelling have received praise, making it a standout in the thriller-comedy genre.
