Saltburn (2023): A dark journey through the excesses of the British elite

Saltburn It's one of those films that divides opinions, provokes intense conversations, and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer's mind. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, known for her acclaimed debut Promising Young Woman (2020), Saltburn delves into the world of British aristocracy with a bold visual style, a narrative charged with psychological tension, and a provocative tone that isn't afraid to challenge the boundaries of good taste.

Released in 2023, the film blends drama, dark comedy, suspense, and social commentary, all wrapped in an atmosphere of decadence, desire, and manipulation. With a young but stellar cast, led by Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, Saltburn It becomes a character study, an exploration of the power of attraction, and a satire on upper-class excesses.

Synopsis

Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) is a young college student from a humble background who manages to enter the prestigious Oxford University thanks to a scholarship. Outcast and socially awkward, Oliver struggles to fit in with his privileged and arrogant classmates.

Everything changes when he befriends Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a charming, charismatic, and wealthy young man who seems interested in Oliver beyond mere cordiality. Felix, in an act of generosity or perhaps out of boredom, invites Oliver to spend the summer at his lavish family mansion, Saltburn.

Once in Saltburn, Oliver enters a new world, marked by extravagance, family secrets, sexual tension, and the complexities of desire. Felix's family—including his sister Venetia (Alison Oliver), his mother Rosamund (Rosamund Pike), and his father Sir James (Richard E. Grant)—is as fascinating as it is disturbing.

As the days pass, Oliver's admiration for Felix turns into obsession, and the apparent aristocratic calm begins to crumble. What begins as a story of social integration evolves into a dark psychological thriller, with unexpected twists and an ending as controversial as it is memorable.

Main Cast

• Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick: Keoghan gives a masterful and disturbing performance, capturing his character's transformation with subtle nuances that evolve into madness.
• Jacob Elordi as Felix CattonWith his imposing physical presence and natural charm, Elordi plays the young aristocrat with a mix of arrogance and warmth that makes him irresistible and dangerous.
• Rosamund Pike as Elspeth CattonFelix's eccentric mother gives a performance that mixes comedy and coldness, reminiscent of her past roles but with a more decadent twist.
• Richard E. Grant as Sir James CattonThe distracted and self-absorbed patriarch of the family adds a touch of satire to the English aristocracy.
• Alison Oliver as Venetia CattonFelix's troubled sister gives a performance charged with emotional intensity.
• Carey Mulligan as Pam, an eccentric friend of the family, in a brief but very striking appearance.

Reviews

Saltburn It received mixed reviews from the press. While some praised Fennell's daring direction and the cast's performances, others questioned the film's extreme tone and some of its narrative choices.

Positive points highlighted by critics:

• Stylistic direction: Emerald Fennell once again demonstrates her ability to create unique atmospheres, with a carefully designed aesthetic and a pace that oscillates between the contemplative and the frenetic.
• PerformancesBarry Keoghan has been widely acclaimed for his total dedication to the role. His portrayal of Oliver Quick was described as “hypnotic” and “unnerving,” with moments of vulnerability and brilliant manipulation.
• Provocative scriptAlthough not everyone liked it, Fennell's script was considered brave by many critics, with sharp dialogue and an uncompromising portrayal of moral decay.

Negative reviews:

• Excess of sexual symbolism: Some scenes were considered unnecessarily graphic or shocking, which to some critics seemed like a search for controversy rather than a narrative contribution.
• Tone problemsThe film moves between black comedy, drama and thriller, and does not always manage to balance these elements coherently.

Public Reception

The general audience was also divided. While some viewers were fascinated by the intensity and originality of Saltburn, others felt puzzled or uncomfortable by its provocative content.

On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintained an average rating. audience score was higher than the critics', suggesting that Saltburn It connected especially with a young audience open to risky proposals.

On social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, many scenes went viral, especially those with intense sexual or emotional content. The music and visuals, along with unexpected and controversial moments, helped the film become an online conversation phenomenon.

Technical and Visual Aspects

One of the most notable elements of Saltburn is its visual section. Fennell collaborates with the director of photography Linus Sandgren (Oscar winner for La La Land) to create images that look like they came from a baroque painting: symmetrical, saturated and full of details.

Notable technical elements:

• Art directionSaltburn Manor is a character in itself. Every room, garden, and hallway is loaded with symbolism and visual decay. The style is reminiscent of films like The Favorite either Eyes Wide Shut.
• Soundtrack: Composed by Anthony Willis, it features popular songs from the 2000s, such as “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which plays a crucial role in the final scene. The music serves as a narrative and emotional tool.
• Locker roomThe costumes reflect the contrast between social classes, as well as the psychological deterioration of the characters throughout the film. From the elegant suits to the intentional nudity, each aesthetic choice communicates something else.
• MountingThere are long sequences, some even uncut, that create tension or discomfort. There's also a play with repetition and point of view, making the viewer question what they're seeing.

Conclusion

Saltburn It's not a film for everyone, but it's certainly a work that won't leave you indifferent. Its blend of visual beauty, social criticism, eroticism, and twisted psychology makes it an intense and unique cinematic experience.

Emerald Fennell proves once again that she is a bold director, unafraid to explore dark themes or challenge the traditional norms of commercial cinema. Saltburn It is both a satire of the rich and a study of obsession, the desire to belong, and the dangers of idealizing others.

While its extreme tone may be divisive, and some narrative decisions may seem gratuitous, it's undeniable that the film manages to generate conversation, disturb, and fascinate. And in a cinematic landscape saturated with predictable formulas, that's a great achievement.

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