There have been a lot of extreme reactions to Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’ and I was getting really anxious about watching the film. When I finally got a chance to see it, I realized why people were so divided about this weird film. There is no doubt that this is an audacious film, but let’s not get carried away by saying that we haven’t seen anything like this before. We have, but none of those movies were accessible like this one.
The movie follows Oliver, a new student at Oxford University, and shows how he deals with being around wealthy people while he’s still learning the ropes of college life. No one notices him, except a really creepy student who looks a bit like Jeffrey Dahmer (Sorry!). Even though no one wants to talk to him, Oliver has already set his eyes on Felix (Jacob Elordi) and wants to his friend. One day, he finds an opportunity and helps Felix by giving his own bicycle so that he can reach his destination on time. Since that day, Oliver and Felix became best friends. As the year ended, Felix asked Oliver to come stay with him at his huge family home, Saltburn, during the summer. Without any doubt, Oliver’s stay at Saltburn is filled with sex, partying and some really weird situations.
But if you feel that’s what the movie is about, then you are wrong. Amid all the happening moments, Oliver shows his true nature. This film truly excels when Fennell digs deeper and explores Oliver’s relationship with Felix’s family. The conversations between them are disturbing and he makes his way into Felix’s family by earning their trust.

Alison Oliver, Jacob Elordi, and Barry Keoghan in ‘Saltburn’ (Amazon Studios)
‘Saltburn’ is an incredibly beautiful movie visually, especially in certain scenes that show the luxurious life of the rich people. But at the same time, these scenes also give off a slightly creepy or unsettling vibe. Fennell uses color and camera placement to perfection, allowing viewers to know Oliver’s place among the super-rich and his own creepy personality. However, ‘Saltburn’ doesn’t offer anything different than what we have seen in previous eat-the-rich movies. But, of course, what Fennell does so well is that it encourages the audiences to laugh at the so-called affluent community. There are lots of funny moments in the movie, thanks to the filmmaker’s clever writing and the extraordinary actors bringing those moments to life. Even though the writing material is sharp, it isn’t as thought-provoking as audiences would have wanted it to be.
When it comes to acting, Barry Keoghan is simply stunning. This is undoubtedly the creepiest character he has played over the years and still made viewers root for him. It is one of those performances that cements his place in the list of elite actors that could alone be responsible for a film’s success. Truly, a mind-blowing acting performance. Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi is brilliant as Felix and embodies the character of a posh boy with precision. Elordi shows off his incredible charm and charisma, proving once again that he’s a really talented and charismatic actor.

Rosamund Pike as Elsbeth in ‘Saltburn’ (Amazon Studios)
Meanwhile, Rosamund Pike and Richard Grant are splendid as Elsbeth and James. They are the definition of how rich actually behave and romanticize the idea of poverty while sitting in their mansion. On the other hand, Alison Oliver takes everyone by storm with her acting. Even though she has little screen time, but whenever she is given a chance to convey something, she does that with her impeccable acting skills.
There’s no doubt that Saltburn offers a captivating and enjoyable mystery, but it doesn’t offer anything new to audiences. Undoubtedly, the good things outshine the little average ones and the finished product is satisfying. Fennell has dared to tell a story that others might not even touch and add her own touch to it. ‘Saltburn’ is a bizarre cinematic experience that goes way too far with its multi-layered storytelling. Emerald Fennell lures us into a world filled with lies and lust while talking about class issues.