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Saltburn it is one of those films that divides opinions, provokes intense conversations and leaves a lasting mark on the viewer's mind. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, known for her acclaimed debut Promising Young Woman (2020), Saltburn it delves into the world of the British aristocracy with a bold visual style, a narrative loaded with psychological tension and a provocative tone that is not afraid to challenge the limits of good taste.
Released in 2023, the film mixes drama, black comedy, suspense and social criticism, 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 of the excesses of the upper class.
Synopsis
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Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) is a young university student of humble origins who manages to enter the prestigious University of Oxford thanks to a scholarship. Marginalized and socially awkward, Oliver struggles to fit in among his privileged and arrogant peers.
Everything changes when he becomes friends with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a charming, charismatic and rich young man, who seems interested in Oliver beyond a simple cordiality. Felix, in an act of generosity or perhaps out of boredom, invites Oliver to spend the summer in his lavish family mansion: Saltburn.
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Once in Saltburn, Oliver enters a new world, marked by extravagance, family secrets, sexual tension and the complexities of desire. Felix's family (Gel including his sister Venetia (Alison Oliver), his mother Rosamund (Rosamund Pike) and his father Sir James (Richard E. Grant) Goat is as fascinating as it is disturbing.
As the days go by, Oliver's admiration for Felix turns into obsession, and the apparent aristocratic calm cracks. What begins as a story of social integration results in a dark psychological thriller, with unexpected twists and an ending as controversial as it is memorable.
Main Cast
- Barry Keoghan like Oliver Quick: Keoghan delivers a masterful and disturbing performance, capturing his character's transformation with subtle nuances that evolve into madness.
- Jacob Elordi like Felix Catton: With 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 like Elspeth Catton: Felix's eccentric mother offers a performance that mixes comedy and coldness, remembering her past roles but with a more decadent twist.
- Richard E. grant like Sir James Catton: The patriarch of the family, distracted and self-absorbed, adds a touch of satire to the English aristocracy.
- Alison Oliver like Venetia Catton: Felix's problematic sister offers a performance full of emotional intensity.
- Carey Mulligan like Pam, an eccentric friend of the family, in a brief but very striking participation.
Criticisms
Saltburn it received mixed reviews from the specialized press. While some praised Fennell's bold direction and cast performances, others questioned the film's extreme tone and some of its narrative decisions.
Positive points highlighted by critics:
- Stylistic direction: Emerald Fennell once again demonstrates his ability to create unique atmospheres, with carefully designed aesthetics and a rhythm that oscillates between the contemplative and the frenetic.
- Performances: Barry Keoghan has been widely acclaimed for his total dedication to the role. His portrayal of Oliver Quick was described as Îlahypnotica arbol and Îlaperturbadora arbol, with moments of vulnerability and brilliant manipulation.
- Provocative script: Although not everyone liked it, Fennell's script was considered brave by many critics, with sharp dialogue and an uncompromising portrait of moral decay.
Negative reviews:
- Excess sexual symbolism: Some scenes were considered unnecessarily graphic or shocking, which for certain critics seemed like a search for controversy rather than a narrative contribution.
- Tone problems: The film moves between black comedy, drama and thriller, and does not always manage to balance those elements in a coherent way.
Public Reception
The general audience was also divided. While some viewers came away fascinated by the intensity and originality of Saltburn, others felt bewildered or uncomfortable by its provocative content.
On platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintained an average rating. He audience score it was higher than the critics, suggesting that Saltburn he especially connected with a young audience open to risky proposals.
On social networks such as TikTok and Twitter, many scenes went viral, especially those with an intense sexual or emotional charge. 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 it is its visual section. Fennell collaborates with the director of photography Linus Sandgren (Oscar winner for La La Land) to create images that seem taken from baroque painting: symmetrical, saturated and loaded with details.
Notable technical elements:
- Art direction: The Saltburn mansion is a character in itself. Each room, garden or hallway is loaded with symbolism and visual decadence. The style is reminiscent of movies like The Favorite or Eyes Wide Shut.
- Soundtrack: Composed by Anthony Willis, and includes popular songs from the 2000s such as Murder on the Dancefloor below, which plays a crucial role in the final scene. Music works as a narrative and emotional tool.
- Costumes: The costumes reflect the contrast between social classes, as well as the psychological deterioration of the characters throughout the film. From elegant outfits to intentional nudity, each aesthetic decision communicates something more.
- Assembly: There are long sequences, some even without cuts, that create tension or discomfort. Repetition and point of view are also played with, making the viewer question what they see.
Conclusion
Saltburn it is not a film for everyone, but it is undoubtedly a work that does not leave anyone indifferent. Its mix of visual beauty, social criticism, eroticism and twisted psychology makes it an intense and unique cinematographic experience.
Emerald Fennell once again demonstrates that she is a bold director, who is not afraid to explore dark themes or challenge 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 is undeniable that the film manages to generate conversation, inconvenience and fascinate. And in a cinematographic panorama saturated with predictable formulas, that is already a great achievement.
