Saltburn Review: A Unique and Thrilling Dive into Dark Desires
Sexual desire can be a twisted thing, and Emerald Fennell isn’t afraid to showcase the dark side of lust and longing. In her sophomore outing, Saltburn, the English writer/director takes her razor-sharp wit and sharpens it on the British upper class. With a thrilling storyline, a touch of self-aware queer comedy, and an exceptional cast, Saltburn is a must-watch, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
1. The Brilliant Mind behind Saltburn
Emerald Fennell, widely known for her Oscar-winning screenplay for Promising Young Woman, continues to captivate audiences with her unique perspective on storytelling. With Saltburn, Fennell fearlessly dives into the depths of desire, using sex and stereotypes as powerful tools to explore the dark side of human nature.
1.1 Fennell’s Dark and Unapologetic Vision
In Saltburn, Fennell embarks on a journey to unravel the secrets and desires hidden within the British upper class. Her relentless exploration of attraction and repulsion creates a thrilling and harrowing narrative, leaving audiences both exhilarated and introspective.
1.1.1 Fennell’s Masterful Blend of Genres
Blending elements of thriller, dark comedy, and self-aware queer cinema, Fennell creates a truly unique cinematic experience. Saltburn keeps you guessing, courting your expectations with every twist and turn.
2. The Engrossing Plot of Saltburn
Set in Oxford University during the early 2000s, Saltburn follows the lives of Oliver Quick, a scholarship student from a troubled background, and Felix Catton, the charismatic and enigmatic member of the upper class. As their friendship deepens, Oliver finds himself caught in a web of desire and deception within the confines of the opulent Saltburn estate.
2.1 The Allure of Affluent Youth
Unfolding against the backdrop of Oxford University, Saltburn exposes the stark contrast between hardworking scholarship students like Oliver and the privileged upper-crust youth. Fennell masterfully portrays the allure of wealth, privilege, and desire, blurring the boundaries between attraction and the longing for belonging.
2.1.1 The Complex Dynamics of Friendship
The friendship between Oliver and Felix serves as the heart of Saltburn. Fennell expertly explores the complexities of friendship and the lengths one is willing to go to fit into an unfamiliar world. As Oliver navigates the treacherous waters of the elite, the true nature of his desires and the motives of those around him begin to unravel.
3. The Flawless Acting Ensemble
One of Saltburn’s strengths lies in its exceptional cast, who bring the intricate characters to life with raw talent and authenticity. Each actor shines in their respective roles, adding depth and dimension to the already compelling narrative.
3.1 Barry Keoghan: A Captivating Performance
Barry Keoghan mesmerizes as Oliver Quick, capturing the character’s vulnerability and longing with nuance. His portrayal of a young man caught between different worlds is both empathetic and haunting, leaving a lasting impression.
3.1.1 Jacob Elordi: The Charismatic King
Jacob Elordi delivers a charismatic performance as Felix Catton, the enigmatic figure who captivates both Oliver and the audience. Elordi’s portrayal of Felix’s duality and magnetism is captivating, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Saltburn.
3.2 A Stellar Supporting Cast
Supporting performances by Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, and other talented actors elevate Saltburn to new heights. Their portrayal of the eccentric and snobbish upper-class characters adds tension and humor to the narrative, making every scene engrossing.
4. The Dark Comedy and Self-Awareness
Fennell’s unique directorial style shines brightly in Saltburn, infusing the film with dark comedy and a self-awareness that sets it apart from traditional thrillers. The juxtaposition of humor and tension creates a thrilling and exhilarating experience for viewers.
4.1 Subverting Expectations
Saltburn challenges the conventions of traditional thrillers by blending genres and subverting audience expectations. Fennell’s mastery of storytelling keeps viewers engaged, never quite sure what to anticipate next.
4.1.1 Embracing Self-Aware Queer Comedy
Saltburn fearlessly incorporates self-aware queer comedy, portraying LGBTQ+ characters with respect and complexity. Fennell’s exploration of queerness within the context of desire and deception adds an extra layer of depth and relevance to the narrative.
5. Conclusion
Saltburn is a triumph from start to finish, showcasing Emerald Fennell’s exceptional talent as a writer and director. With its gripping plot, stellar cast, and fearless exploration of dark desires, Saltburn is a must-watch for anyone craving a unique and thrilling cinematic experience.
FAQs
1. Is Saltburn a sequel to Promising Young Woman?
No, Saltburn is not a sequel to Promising Young Woman. It is a separate and distinct film that explores different themes and narratives.
2. Is Saltburn suitable for all audiences?
Saltburn delves into mature themes and contains some scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. It is recommended for mature audiences.
3. How does Saltburn approach LGBTQ+ representation?
Saltburn embraces self-aware queer comedy and portrays LGBTQ+ characters with complexity and respect. Queerness is explored within the context of desire and deception, adding depth to the narrative.
4. Are there any standout performances in Saltburn?
Barry Keoghan’s performance as Oliver Quick and Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Felix Catton are particularly captivating. The entire cast delivers stellar performances, making every character memorable.
5. Does Saltburn have a satisfying conclusion?
Saltburn delivers a gripping and satisfying conclusion that will leave viewers pondering the complexities of desire and deception. However, we won’t reveal any spoilers here, so you’ll have to watch it to find out!