There’s been plenty of talk about writer/director Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn since it hit the film festival circuit in August 2023. And I’ve finally given in and watched the comedy/drama/thriller. A film that turned out to be an equally delightful and shocking experience. One that follows Oliver (Barry Keoghan), an Oxford University student who becomes obsessed with his classmate, the charismatic and aristocratic Felix (Jacob Elordi).
Also starring Rosamund Pike, Archie Madekwe and Carey Mulligan, things soon take quite the unexpected turn once Felix invites Oliver to his eccentric family’s vast estate for an unforgettable summer.
It’s the dialogue and performances that delighted me most, especially all the lines delivered to perfection by Mulligan and Pike’s characters. As for the more shocking aspects, let’s just say it has to do with two specific moments that reveal the extent of Oliver’s unsettling obsession and how that manifests.
In terms of my experience of the story, I had the most fun before the dark turn, which wasn’t unexpected considering how I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop for much of the film. The general gist of what Saltburn is about and how aspects of the story unfold may not be new, but the two most shocking events and the super wonderful dialogue are reason enough to see it for yourself.
Last but not least, Saltburn features a soundtrack of what seemed to be largely hit British songs of the noughties. I say give Saltburn a chance if you’re curious and for all the guaranteed giggles courtesy of the dialogue, particularly once Oliver arrives at Felix’s family estate.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
I agree, Mulligan’s character was a special delight.
Amen! I could have done with more scenes of her. The lady left me wanting plenty more. 🥳🥂
I like Pike and Mulligan but firmly ambivalent about Keoghan. He is an odd-looking actor which seems to land him in an awful lot of oddball roles. Will have to think about this for awhile on whether to give it a chance or not.
Don’t let your feelings about Keoghan’s face make you miss out on the experience of Mulligan and Pike’s fun-to-watch turns in this movie. 🤓
I’ve been aware of Keoghan’s face for some time but this may be the first movie I’ve seen him in. He’s definitely good. I feel like I saw a few faces like his growing up, so maybe that’s why I’m less affected. 🤓
Gia, it isn’t so much his face as the roles it has landed him, which are some real doozies. I did like him in The Banshees of Inishirin (sp?) but the others…
I see what you mean. 🤓 Just as well I haven’t seen the doozies, then. Considering all the chatter around this movie, we’ll hopefully see him in different roles soon. I imagine that fighting the typecasting machine is not easy.
Haven’t seen this one. Kinda on the fence about doing so. But…I do love Mulligan and Pike so I may give it a go if only to see them again. This film has certainly gotten a lot of people talking since it opened.
I too was on the fence because the trailer didn’t do plenty for me. However, I say don’t miss out on Mulligan and Pike, especially the former, plus Fennell’s capture of Britishisms (which always make me giggle) especially within the English aristocratic experience.
This one looked familiar and I had to check if I had it on my watchlist. I’ll get to it cause I just love Mulligan in everything she does.🤩
Enjoy! 🤓🥂
Okay, I’m down for this one, thanks for the review, G, you haven’t steered me wrong yet!
That’s great, and as always, it’s my absolute pleasure. Enjoy! 🤓🥂
I liked this, every time I thought I knew what was happening Fennell just pushed it that bit more outside of the comfort box! Rosamund Pike is hilarious.
Glad you enjoyed it. An entertaining experience for sure. Even though it’s dark in parts. 🤓
Great review! Been considering this one for a while but wasn’t sure I’d be in the mood. Will check it out. Thanks!
Thank you. I hope you find more than a few things to enjoy about it. 🤓
A great review! I’m definitely looking forward to watching this one soon. I was a massive fan of Emerald Fennel’s prior film “Promising Young Woman” which was a promising directorial debut. I have a feeling I will love this one.
Great review once again. I had a chance to see this one recently and really loved it. It reminded me a lot about “Parasite”, another film about class disparity. From the setting of the mansion to the divide between classes, the two films are very similar.