Saltburn

Saltburn is a wild ride that's definitely not for everyone. I can certainly understand why those who enjoy it do, as it is definitely a fun film. Yet overall, I have mixed feelings towards it.

Saltburn tells the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a young Oxford student in 2006 with a troubled family due to drug and mental health issues. While he initially struggles to fit in due to class differences and his own social awkwardness, Oliver eventually befriends Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a popular boy from a wealthy family who empathizes with Oliver's story. Their relationship deepens over time, culminating in Felix’s invitation for Oliver to spend the summer with him at his family’s estate, Saltburn. There, they live through an exciting and terrifying summer that will change the lives of all involved forever.

The story, while not the most brilliant, captivated me from the start for its provocative and intriguing exploration of the relationship between Oliver and Felix. It is challenging to deduce their true feelings for each other, especially at the beginning of the film. Watching the relationship progress as ambiguous emotions develop is a delight. Though not all plot twists worked for me, it doesn't diminish the shocking nature of the story. While it may feel visually over the top at times, the impressive cinematography by Linus Sandgren places you inside of a dream come true that gradually turns into a surreal nightmare perfectly. I'd also like to highlight Emerald Fennell's rich direction for effectively utilizing the film's budget. The way she created the world of Saltburn is spectacular: it is a vast, natural, and eccentric place that simultaneously feels ominous, terrifying, and anxiety-inducing. Each needle drop is perfectly timed and accentuates this film's remarkable atmosphere.

Unfortunately, despite my appreciation for Emerald Fennell's direction, I found her script to be quite weak in several aspects. Many story details are fairly predictable despite being presented as twists, especially if you've seen the trailers. Some scenes also do not seem to lead anywhere or serve much of a purpose, particularly scenes in the film's first act at university and some of the excessively graphic scenes. While some of these were justified in depicting the characters' mental states, others felt out of place. Often, script film chooses exaggeration and style over nuance and substance. It becomes overdramatic at times, to the point where if some scenes had gone any further, this film could have felt like a parody.

The performances, overall, are spectacular and largely sell this messy script. A special mention goes to Rosamund Pike, fantastic as always, who is portraying a character that is eccentric, fun, and a bit dark. Jacob Elordi feels provocative and incredibly charismatic in a role that few actors could have played as well as he did. But the standout of this film by far is Barry Keoghan, who delivers a disgustingly spectacular and masterful performance as Oliver. Oliver is a complex character with many layers, each one more decayed than the last, and Keoghan takes you through a million different places emotionally with aplomb.

The climax of the film surprised me and felt like the pinnacle of the story, as character arcs explode and collide. Unfortunately, the conclusion that follows simultaneously falls short and feels stretched. Because almost all of the major revelations have already been made, the last act is just predictable.

In conclusion, despite clear flaws in its story and a tone that can occasionally feel too dramatic for its own good, Saltburn is worth watching for its incredible performances, memorable soundtrack, and stunning cinematography.

7.5/10