Saltburn (2023)


REVIEWER RATING: 
9/10

DIRECTOR:

CAST:


Lured into a world of elitist socialites in the aristocratic realm of England, Oxford student Oliver (Keoghan) discovers his taste for the greener pastures of life, love, and greed.

Awkward and odd, Oliver attends Oxford University with a clear vision to befriend the most popular student on campus…Felix Catton (Elordi.) Felix is handsome, admired, and well-bred, attracting students with his mere presence and million-dollar smile. When Oliver helps him out during a bind (flat bicycle tire which prevents him from making it to class on time), Felix takes the newbie under his wing and introduces him to a whole new world of wealth, indulgence, women, and high society living.

As the holiday approaches, Oliver is given the ultimate invitation – to join Felix at his family’s estate, Saltburn, which includes the snooty parents (Pike is mesmerizing as mom Elspeth), stunning sister Venetia and problematic cousin Farleigh. Things begin to take a turn for the unordinary after several revealing confrontations with Farleigh while courting young Venetia with knowing glares and a sinister stare. What is behind the blue-eyed evilness that is brewing?

Having similar overtones to Killing of a Sacred Deer, that all stands to reason as Keoghan once again fulfills the role of quirky strangeness and an uncomfortable yet convincing performance. Think of Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley, complete with its own severely depraved bathtub scene that will make you cringe, and perhaps even gag. Follow that with a moonlight seduction on the grounds of the sprawling manor with Venetia that elevates vampirism to heightened taboos, and you have one very wicked arthouse film!

Keoghan’s performance is selectively charming, alluring, and uneasy. Mapped up against the impressive Elordi and it’s a successful recipe for a disastrous outcome. While the boys continue to frolic through luxurious parties in this fantasy-life, the true colors of Ollie surface in such manipulative ways that even the most rigid nobles couldn’t resist. As he ascends within Saltburn, his elaborate schemes, lies and eccentricity lead to extreme tragedy…in such unsettling forbiddance, yet awesome entertainment. You don’t want to miss this stunning piece of work, though you may want to watch with some caution (i.e. – put the kiddies to bed first).

OVERALL: 
Saltburn is a slow burn. With each carefully crafted run-in with Felix, Oliver’s motives are derived from his sociopathic ways and the denial of intense love for his new best friend. Nothing is prohibited. Nothing has boundaries. While Ollie turns the Catton family into knots for his own amusement, the extraordinary need for acceptance and belonging is never lost, leading to both terror and empathy. But do not miss the incredible celebration at the end – if you thought the graveyard scene was distasteful, you will be chilled to the bone from this outcome. Undeniable cheeky fun!


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