Saltburn (2023)

 

Genre: Thriller/ Comedy

Time: 2h 7mins

Director: Emerald Fennell

Quick Summary: A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.

What a wild film this is. I wouldn't recommend this to the general public as this film gets weird. 

Honestly, I do recommend you go into this film with zero knowledge about it, the less you know the better.  Something I love about this is that it dances the blurred boundaries between love and obsession. Despite the disturbing nature of the film, I couldn't help but appreciate the artistry behind it. this was a wild ride, full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I was thoroughly impressed by the way the plot unfolded, leaving me completely shocked by the final outcome. I felt like I was watching live art. Very fucked up and twisted live art. But art nonetheless.

The film is funny and the writing is crisp and witty. However, it’s not just a normal type of humour, the film is dark. In fact, it's quite dark, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. This adds a layer of complexity to the comedy, as you find yourself laughing at jokes that are simultaneously unsettling. You feel just a tad guilty or bad because the larger situation isn’t funny, but what’s happening in the scene definitely is. A lot of the scenes are actually really cringe, like super bad and you feel awkward watching what's on the screen. Though it just adds to how wild this is. 

There are quite a few scenes that are very disturbing which I can't talk about but, it may not be pleasant for everyone to see, as they do go on for a bit too long. Some I could understand as we're following the extreme obsession of a young person, but others seemed very extreme and delved into themes such as necrophilia, which aren't the most comfortable things to watch.

Barry Keoghan delivers a brilliant performance as Oliver, leaving a stunning impression on the audience. The movie begins by portraying Oliver in a likeable manner, drawing the viewers into his world and immersing them in his narrative. However, as the story progresses, the perspective changes, revealing his true nature as vile and wicked. Despite this, Keoghan's portrayal of such a complex character was outstanding, giving him ample material to work with. Because we view events through Oliver’s eyes, there is a natural tendency to sympathise with his position.

The production is close to perfect, visually this is stunning to watch this gothic thriller sprinkled with glitter. Every single song on the soundtrack works, and they're all songs that mix in with this bizarre story. Especially the ending song, which I won't spoil but will stick with you for more than one reason. 

This studies the consequences of our actions and just how far people would go to feel like they belong. Equal parts a story of love and lust, this manages to blend different genres in one big bizarre cocktail that a lot of people won't be able to swallow. 

I did like this, as much as it shocked me and made me feel awkward watching it, there is a brilliant story underneath all the weirdness. As well, be prepared for a shocker of an ending. 

9/10

"I was a lesbian for a while, you know, but it was all a bit too wet for me in the end. Men are so lovely and dry."

"[after learning of a friend's suicide] She'd do anything for attention."