Saltburn is a titillating story built around shock value and, unfortunately, very little actual story. Barry Keoghan plays Oliver Quick, a socially awkward Oxford student who becomes obsessed with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) and manipulates his way into the orbit of Felix’s wealthy family. What begins as an intriguing exploration of class, obsession, and privilege eventually feels more interested in shocking the audience than developing the story underneath it.
And Saltburn certainly knows how to shock. Much of the hype surrounding the film revolves around Oliver drinking bathwater, painting himself in menstrual blood, and generally crossing every possible line of social decency. The problem is that once the shock wears off, there isn’t always much left underneath it. The ending twist is genuinely impressive, but getting there can feel like watching a series of increasingly outrageous moments stitched together. Side note: If Barry Keoghan becomes erect, does he instantly pass out?
Still, I’ll give the movie this: it is impossible to forget. Emerald Fennell knows how to create imagery that gets burned into your brain, whether you want it there or not. And speaking of imagery, that dance scene at the end?
Final Verdict:
2/5 Stars
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