Saltburn

Nothing could have kicked off LFF 2023 better than a provocative British drama that delves deep into the abyss of wealth. And, no, it’s not your typical Romeo & Juliet tale; it’s actually quite the opposite – obsessive, unsettling, and deeply disturbing. The original screenplay of Saltburn by Emerald Fennel, is an R-rated psychological thriller drama primarily set in the mid-2000s at an English country estate .

It opens with a confession of love, albeit a rather creepy one, like the words of a secret stalker. The mysterious man behind this voice remains unknown at this point, but we come to know him as Oliver (played by Barry Keoghan), a fresher at Oxford. Oliver is your quintessential nerdy guy with a scholarship, coming from a working-class background. From the first day, he’s recognised by his kind, forming a bond with a fellow nerd. However, we aren’t able to grow too attached to this character, as Oliver soon abandons him for Felix. Who is Felix, you ask? Unfortunately, this is not a story of our newspaper’s origins. Rather, Felix is the subject of the earlier confession, who is exceptionally hot and filthy rich. Regardless of gender or sexuality, a single glance from a guy like Felix quickens the heartbeat of everyone who meets him.

So how do two such different classmates even start talking? As it turns out, a flat tire is all it takes to join the cool kids. After offering his bike to a stranded Felix, Oliver is invited for drinks with him and his entourage. One thing leads to another and – no, they don’t fall in love – they become best mates. Not everyone supports their friendship, suggesting that Oliver is another one of Felix’s ‘charity cases’: “He will get bored of you ....”

Upon hearing news that Oliver’s dad has died, Felix invites him to his family estate in Saltburn for the summer, since Oliver is devastated and can’t bear the thought of returning to his troubled family. That’s where it all begins, and you’re in for a ride. Secrets, drama, lies, and questionable decisions are the bones of the film.

Emerald Fennell did a great job at comically portraying the most upper class and how detatched they are from the real world: ”Pamela died... she’d do anything for attention!” Although the movie sometimes takes dark turns, its bizarre events and witty one-liners evoke a wide range of emotional reactions from the audience. Fennell clearly knew what she was doing and aimed to capture our attention with something viewers are not used to seeing on the big screen.

The sound, cinematography, production, and cast’s performances, especially Rosamund Pike’s, were all exceptional and contributed greatly to the movie’s quality. I confidently recommend you watch Saltburn; however, I can’t call it among the best. Don’t get me wrong; it was a wild ride, but the final drop of the rollercoaster was too steep. The ending felt rushed and somewhat too fictional without significant consequences, as if the character had written his own dream ending. Despite all this, a few scenes in the movie will forever be etched in my memory.