Director: Emerald Fennell
Writer: Emerald Fennell
Stars: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E Grant

Emerald Fennell’s 2023 film “Saltburn” unfolds a captivating narrative centered on a poor working-class Oxford student, Oliver, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with the aristocratic Felix and his eccentric family at the opulent estate of Saltburn.

Starring Barry Keoghan as Oliver, Jacob Elordi as Felix, and supported by a stellar cast including Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver, the film immerses viewers into a world of privilege, passion, and primal desires.

Shot primarily at Radcliffe Square in Oxford and Drayton House in Lowick, England, the film’s visual language, crafted by cinematographer Linus Sandgren, juxtaposes extremes to mirror the thematic contrasts within the story. Voyeuristic camera angles invite viewers into the characters’ world, while long tableau shots capture moments of both mourning and disturbing revelation.

TRIVIA | During filming, Rosamund Pike resided in the Saltburn house.

Keoghan delivers a tour de force performance as Oliver, navigating the character’s complex emotions with a penetrating gaze that keeps audiences guessing. His portrayal, marked by a blend of love, lust, jealousy, and hatred, adds depth to the enigmatic protagonist, challenging viewers to unravel the layers of his persona.

Fennell’s direction, coupled with a script bursting with lust, lies, and dark humour, elevates “Saltburn” into a mesmerising exploration of human nature. Rosamund Pike’s award-worthy performance as the matriarch Elspeth Catton enhances the film’s allure, while Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Oliver solidifies his reputation as a master of eccentric characters with emotional depth.

“Saltburn” is a cinematic gem that defies convention, offering a thrilling blend of seedy allure and savage humour. Fennell’s bold storytelling and the stellar performances of the cast make it a compelling watch, leaving audiences captivated until the very end.