Saltburn: A Charismatic Rollercoaster

In 2020, Emerald Fennell burst onto the feature movie scene with Promising Young Woman which she wrote, directed and produced and would eventually win her an Oscar for her original screenplay. The movie was a thought-provoking dark thriller that left me thinking about how this filmmaker, who is relatively new to the world of feature-length movies, could back up such a great movie. Well, she’s done it with Saltburn, her latest triumph is one part The Talented Mr Ripley mixed with Rebecca and a dash of Dead Poets Society. 

Another comedic but dark, charismatic but intriguing story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), an Oxford University student who befriends Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) a fellow student who is charming and wealthy and seemingly the opposite of Oliver Quick. The two quickly form a close bond that is reminiscent of The Talented Mr Ripley. Keoghan and Elordi balance each other superbly and bring great chemistry to the screen that you almost don’t notice the somewhat awkward height difference between the two. Jacob Elordi’s seemingly effortless charisma is juxtaposed perfectly against Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of his awkward and lonely classmate.

Keoghan and Elordi are supported by a great ensemble including Oscar nominees Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Carey Mulligan as well as newcomers Archie Madekwe and Alison Oliver. Their engaging performances are all set against the backdrop of their stunning palatial home of Saltburn. There is not a single bad acting performance in this film. All the main cast, and many of the supporting roles, play their part brilliantly but Rosamund Pike steals every scene she’s in as Felix’s matriarchal mother, Elspeth Catton. 

Throughout the film there are scenes that are breathtakingly shot, dialogue that leaves you in stitches and as the story continues, you get taken on a rollercoaster ride and you feel basically every emotion possible including some scenes that made the person sitting next to me say ‘What the @%&#”.

Barry Keoghan was a strong contender in last year’s awards season with his breakthrough performance in The Banshees of Inisherin, and he backs it up with an even more riveting and complex performance that is sure to see his name mentioned in this year’s awards races as well. Jacob Elordi puts in a solid performance as is perfectly cast in his role and doesn’t seem out of place amongst other acting heavyweights. It wouldn’t be surprising if many of the supporting cast are mentioned during awards season, particularly Rosamund Pike and Alison Oliver, who gives an amazing performance of Felix’s sister. 

This beautiful and haunting movie experience was only made better by watching it in the beautiful St George’s cinema at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville. The historic art deco surroundings are the perfect setting in which to watch this movie and you almost felt like you were in Saltburn in person to witness the story.

Overall, Emerald Fennell delivers another amazing, charming, haunting and thought-provoking rollercoaster ride of emotion and, although some aspects of the story could be seen as predictable, the way it is delivered is in a fresh way with stellar performances, that you will leave the cinema, happy that you paid the price of admission. Definitely an experience that has to be seen on the big screen!