Saltburn – A Wild Ride Lacking In Substance

After 2020’s Promising Young Woman put Emerald Fennell on the map, making her a name to look out for, audiences have been clamoring for her next feature and now that feature is upon us. Saltburn is a much different film than her debut feature as it puts a gothic twist on a classic obsession tale whose comparisons to 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley are inevitable but for what this film lacks in originality, it makes up for in style that only Fennell can deliver. It is as beautiful as it is seductive and one can’t help but be seduced by the devious world it has created and its equally devious characters. Both a celebration and a takedown of excess and privilege, it is a wicked rollercoaster ride that not all audiences can handle. While not without its flaws, it is certainly one of the most memorable of the year. Though it may be clear what the film is trying to do, it lacks the subtlety to make it to the finish line. That being said, working hand-in-hand with its masterful world-building, a pair of phenomenal performances from Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi help ground its controlled chaos.

Saltburn follows Oliver Quick (Keoghan), a student trying to find his place within the prestigious Oxford University. Things would soon change once he stumbled upon Felix Catton (Elordi), an incredibly charming fellow student. Drawn to him and his life, Oliver soon found himself a part of his world of privilege after he was invited to Saltburn, his family’s larger-than-life estate, for the summer. As intimidating as Saltburn itself was, Felix’s family was equally as daunting. People often came and went from the estate as his laissez-fare mother Elspeth (Rosamund Pike) and father James (Richard E. Grant) steered the ship. Entrenched in their life of affluence, they were so far removed from the real world that they could come off as caricatures. However, they were merely enablers for whoever they weren’t yet tired of. A fish-out-of-water, Oliver quickly adapted to his new circumstances but the longer he stayed, the more he became entrenched the more it became clear he held some ulterior motives. Not Felix’s first take home fascination, Oliver charmed his way into relationships with him and the rest of his family.

Despite his new lifestyle, Oliver’s obsession with Felix seemingly remained and grew stronger as their relationship became more intimate. Indulging in the excess of Saltburn, it was fun to watch that dynamic evolve over the course of the film. There’s beauty in the simplicity of seeing young people, without a care in the world, having fun in that chaos. However, it would not be without consequence. Through Oliver’s maneuvering, it appeared that his obsession with Felix was more about what he represented and perhaps saw he and his family as a means to get there there though he still had feelings for Felix to contend with. Where the film falters is the moment when that facade came crumbling down and Oliver’s desperation forced him to escalate his plan with the walls were closing in on him. At this point, his enablers were now obstacles between he and his higher aspirations. As far as they were concerned, it was too late seeing that his grip had become too powerful.

As mentioned, Saltburn is bursting at the seams with style. Beautiful cinematography sets the stage followed by a comically whimsy score and impeccable production and costume design to help bring Saltburn to life and round out the film’s inviting fantasy world. Though hectic at times, the film does a good job at keeping up with it the bouts of craziness. The film’s use of light and darkness also creates an interesting contrast in both the setting and the characters. With all that style, the other side of that equation is substance which was where the film lagged. Billed as pure escapism and a satire of wealth and privilege, the film definitely delivers in that aspect. While a wicked rollercoaster ride full of drama and debauchery, it ultimately lacks enough development to stick the landing and make its inevitable conclusion as impactful as it could have been.

In the end, what held Saltburn together was its performances, led by Keoghan and Elordi as Oliver and Felix. The film would not have worked if not for that key relationship and to its credit, it is compelling to watch thanks to their stellar chemistry. Keoghan makes the best of Oliver’s arc, in spite of its flaws, with his effortless charm and charisma and an innate relatability even though some may not always agree with his actions. Elordi possesses much of the same effortless charm and charisma but Felix made for a nice counterbalance. Peeling back the layers from the start, his range revealed a flawed person whose good nature and yearning for connection left him vulnerable for Oliver’s manipulation. That combination was just as impressive. Meanwhile, Madekwe as Felix’s cousin Farleigh and Pike as Elspeth were each scene-stealers.

Saltburn is an absolutely wild escape whose beautiful style and performance pull audiences in but its lack of substance fails to make it more worthwhile. Though it won’t be for everyone, it has the makings of a potential cult hit.

still courtesy of MGM and Amazon Studios

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.