Saltburn

UK Release Date: 17 November 2023
Director: Emerald Fennell
Cast: Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant, Barry Keoghan, Archie Madekwe, Ewan Mitchell, Carey Mulligan, Alison Oliver, Rosamund Pike, Paul Rhys
Runtime: 131 mins
Rating: ⭐⭐½ 
Review:

Within the first 45 minutes of Saltburn, Emerald Fennell delivers a joyous breath of fresh air. Visually depicting the seemingly unreachable highs of student life at University before abrasively cutting to severely isolating lows. Subsequently, sweeping both the audience and characters off their feet by delivering a Summer of complete unadulterated freedom. A fervour of emotion, audibly anchored by a generation of formative indie rock bands - Arcade Fire, Bloc Party and MGMT amongst others. A film fitting for the period of life it occupies.  


A large aspect of what initially makes Saltburn a euphoric experience is its technical quality. Linus Sandgren, of Babylon and La La Land, brings a dreamlike surrealism to the film with centre framing and visual distortions. Rays of lights breaking through spaces of ominous red and dynamic blue. His use of colour contrast is extraordinary.


Nevertheless, once that period of energetic bliss subsides the film is nothing more than a test of endurance. Perverted, surface-level storytelling placed within the narrative with the sole purpose of provoking a shocked reaction. Parades around as a profound exploration of British class systems whilst being incredibly hollow and vapid thematically. All before pursuing a clever final twist that is unbelievably tacked on and predictable. A real lack of subtlety that leads to a far less intellectual script than Emerald Fennell believes it to be. 


A trait that carries over to the characterisation in Saltburn. Fennell's script attempts to draw sympathy from the audience for a legitimately detestable character in the form of the shrivelling Oliver Quick. Barry Keoghan, admittedly, is strong in the role but it is so far removed from reality that it's impossible to feel any sort of relatable connection. Leads to a lacklustre moment of emotional release, that doesn't work at all as this celebration of the death of the rich. Bizarre because the supporting performances wholly match the inflated stereotypes, especially Rosamund Pike's sensational turn. 

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