Emerald Fennell’s latest film, Saltburn, has emerged as a striking addition to the world of queer cinema, sparking controversy and intense conversations surrounding its bold portrayal of obsession, privilege, and desire. With such a star-studded cast bringing in a variety of different moviegoers (Jacob Elordi stans rise up), this film has continued to shock audiences to the point of audible gasps within the movie theater throughout. In fact, prior to seeing this film, I had multiple people warn me about “that scene”, only to find out that they were all talking about different points throughout the movie. So yes, you are most definitely in for a treat.
Despite the majority of audiences coming into this movie solely to see heartthrob Jacob Elordi with an eyebrow piercing, the heart of this film actually lies within its enigmatic main character, Oliver. Played by actor Barry Keoghan, Oliver manages to single-handedly steal the spotlight and captivate audiences in an indescribable way. Oliver’s absolutely unhinged actions, being undeniably deranged yet fueled by a twisted sense of love, serve as a powerful vehicle for exploring the complexities of power, obsession, and the thin line between desire and hunger.
Being described as a “vampire movie” by Fennell herself, this film definitely lives up to its description. Despite loosely aligning with the dark comedy genre, this film completely topples audience expectations by the end of the film, leaving viewers in utter disbelief and distress at its conclusion. Visually arresting and emotionally-charged, Saltburn is truly a testament to Fennell’s directorial prowess. The deliberate decision to shoot on 35mm film with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 plays a huge role in the film’s masterful depiction of gothic imagery, making every backdrop in the film seem larger than life. This beautiful setting is extremely important to the narrative, as it completely juxtaposes the haunting nature of the underlying motives behind the deeply-flawed main character. The beauty of each individual frame manages to keep audience eyes glued to the screen despite the shockingly outrageous, yet sexy, actions that occur within them. If there is one thing I have to say about this movie, it’s that this film is watch-through-your-fingers good.
Saltburn‘s overly-bold approach to storytelling is amplified by its unapologetic exploration of queer themes, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about representation and diversity in cinema. Saltburn truly challenges preconceived notions of LGBTQ+ narratives, offering a fresh depiction of queerness in which it only exists to serve the message behind the film, ultimately being the exploration of human desire and its ability to mutate into something much more ominous. In fact, Saltburn’s refreshingly fluid depiction of queerness goes unmentioned by the majority of characters for the most part, whilst still playing a central role in the progression of the film and the main character’s journey. I also appreciate the complexity that Fennell grants her main character, considering that oftentimes queer characters don’t get as much depth and exploration as straight characters within film.
However, I personally found that one of the film’s most significant achievements lies in its ability to resonate with a wide variety of audiences, even including young women such as myself, despite a white male lead. Oliver’s actions, driven by an obsessive want that borders on the macabre, forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of their own desires and obsession head-on, something many people would consider to be outrageously taboo. While some audience members may have found the grave scene and the bathtub scene to be overkill, others (such as myself) saw the intense human emotion beneath it, something that is incredibly hard to depict on-screen.
And while it is not a fun question to ask ourselves, this film has made us reflect on whether or not we would also go to the lengths that Oliver goes to in this film simply to satisfy our greatest desires. For many, this question made us view Oliver in a very different way. Although his actions remain manipulative and calculated, the emotion behind them makes him extremely human, and thus painfully understandable. Yes, Saltburn‘s unflinching portrayal of the protagonist’s actions may be unsettling for some viewers due to the obscene spectacle it creates. Yet, it is precisely this discomfort that prompts important conversations about the nuances of obsession, destruction, and the gray areas that exist within the human experience.
So, what are you still doing here? Go buy your ticket now! Saltburn, being the bold and thought-provoking film it is, would be the perfect vacation after finishing your finals. Its exploration of wildly controversial themes and the main character’s deranged yet relatable actions make it the perfect film to take your mind off exam grades. While not for the faint of heart, Fennell’s film is a testament to the power of cinema to challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful discussions through evocative imagery. Saltburn leaves a lasting impression, burning images into the brains of viewers for even days afterwards and forcing them to question their own inner hunger and the lengths they would go to satisfy it.