Saltburn, a convoluted, psychological drama from director/writer Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), is a daring exploration of human desire and corruption.
Oxford University welcomes the Class of 2006, and Oliver (Barry Keoghan), a seemingly shy, isolated student from a modest background and a fractured family, is befriended by popular Felix (Jacob Elordi) who comes from great family wealth and stature. When Felix invites Oliver to stay with his family for the summer, it ignites a series of bizarre events at Saltburn, a grand estate populated by Felix’s parents (Richard E. Grant and Rosamund Pike), his sister, a cousin, and an army of servants. Oliver is drawn to Felix, and he ingratiates and assimilates himself into the family creating emotional ripples of rivalry and jealousy. Soon Felix’s mom plans a grand birthday party for Oliver where raw emotions are exposed with shocking, tragic consequences.
What is Oliver’s agenda? He is portrayed as a fish out of water, but he also harbors a deep infatuation for Felix while eavesdropping and voyeuristically spying on Felix’s family. Is he running from his past and looking for a better standing with this family, or is he a cold, calculating predator capable of subterfuge of the darkest order?
Keoghan
makes the most of this challenging role that brings instant comparisons to The Talented Mr. Ripley while the cast
is sublime with Pike a standout as the
doting mother. The film’s striking
visuals (augmented by an excellent soundtrack) and mature themes recall Women in Love. Fennell’s screenplay is dense with sensuality
and seduction, and nothing is by chance or accidental leading to an unexpected,
stunning end. It’s a magnificent,
character study with a dark streak of hedonism and explicit scenes not for all
tastes, but discerning viewers will find an
audacious narrative of twisted truths and manipulation.
*****
of ***** stars
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