Saltburn (2023)

Director: Emerald Fennell

Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike

A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.

‘Saltburn’ is a truly unique film in many ways. First and foremost, this is an excellent character study. The premise reminded me somehow of ‘Parasite’, but you won’t realize it straight away.

Oliver Quick (excellently portrayed by Barry Keoghan) is not very popular at the University of Oxford, and is being snubbed at by snobbish students. In contrast to Oliver, is the very popular Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Oliver has an infatuation with Felix, and gets the opportunity to get acquainted with him after helping him out of a predicament.

Oliver and Felix soon hang out together, and when Oliver tells Felix of his Father’s death, Felix invites him to his home for the holidays. His home turns out to be a family estate – called Saltburn – and his parents are Sir James and Lady Elspeth. At first glance, Felix’s family seems incredibly dysfunctional.

As we get to know Felix’s family, Oliver turns out to be a very different character to what we expected. I found this a very interesting twist – not to mention the surprise ending! ‘Saltburn’ is a unique film I found very entertaining. There’s drama, humour, and even a few very erotic moments.

‘Saltburn’ received 115 award nominations, including Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score, Outstanding British Film of the Year, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film, Best Makeup, Best Hair Styling, Best International Film, to name just a few.

Would I watch it again? I think so, yes.