Emerald Fennell’s disturbing film about the power of obsession and class features some standout performances – but tries too hard to shock which means it loses its impact.
Saltburn is destined to be one of those marmite films which divides people. on the one hand it is possible to appreciate the way in which Emerald Fennell has structured this intense story, allowing it to unravel with ease and confidence. However, on the other side of this it comes across as too desperate to shock to make the impact that it sets out to achieve despite the hard work of the cast to pull it off.
The story follows that of Oliver, an Oxford university student who meets the charismatic Felix whose aristocratic family live in the grandeur and splendour of Saltburn. Oliver soon finds himself drawn into the intoxicating world of wealth and privilege when he is invited by Felix to stay at the house for the summer – but by the end of it lives will have been changed forever.
While it would be easy to make comparisons with stories such as Brideshead Revisted which have clearly influenced the Emerald Fennell’s story, it is also a lot darker in the way in which it examines class and privilege to devastating effects the further into the world Oliver enters and as it becomes increasingly clear never wants to leave. The script is sharp (although I’m not sure I would use the word comedy to describe this film) and barbed that leads to some fascinating conversations between characters – but none of the characters are particularly likeable and it is difficult to care much about what happens to them either way. Perhaps this was the point, but without a character to care about it makes you wonder what the purpose of the story is, while the over indulgence that the characters take part in throughout (extensive focus on the partying becomes a little wearisome) feels as though it distracts from the story and central character Oliver somewhat.
However, this being said the way in which it has been filmed and the attention to details is exquisite – with the way in which lighting and sound becomes increasingly important as the tone of the film changes and helps offer a new perspective of the characters. The darker aspects of the story are really well highlighted, particularly as Oliver’s obsession with Felix increases, although there are some cringe-worthy moments to be found that go too far in making its point as one scene in the bathroom more than proves. It is a film that plays with your mind and makes you question what is real and what’s not and the twist is really well executed. The overriding feeling though is that while there is a good film in here in many aspects (particularly when Oliver’s lies begin to unravel), it feels as though it tries too hard to shock and make people uncomfortable and could have dealt with issues such as class and wealth a lot more deeply. The most interesting moments emerge when Oliver is confronting Felix about his wealth, adding a bit of tension to a what seems to be a very charged friendship.
At the centre of it all, Barry Keoghan as Oliver offers a really intriguing and subtle performance that is captivating to watch as he delves deeper and deeper into the character’s darker side. He really holds the film together with this nuanced and detailed portrayal that transforms from slightly awkward youth with no friends, to a more unnerving character who the audience can’t tell really what is going on in his mind until it is too late. Elsewhere, Rosamund Pike shows great depth and range emotionally as Elspeth Catton and Archie Madekwe Farleigh gets some of the deliciously biting lines in the film that he delivers beautifully. Paul Rhys as Duncan also deserves a mention as the somewhat unnerving butler.
There is a great film to be found in Saltburn but reliance on shocking the audience and ultimately the shallowness of the characters (no matter how well they brought to life) leaves you feeling only half satisfied.
By Emma Clarendon
Saltburn is available to watch on Prime now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐