Percy Bartelt, opinions editor

Released Nov. of 2023, “Saltburn” quickly rose in popularity due to its unsettling, weird and really messed up cinematic themes done in such an aesthetically interesting way, and its ability to write such complex characters is especially exciting to see put to film. If you’re wondering, yes those scenes that you’ve been reading about on Twitter are really as messed up as people are talking about, but I implore you to see it for yourself if you have the stomach for it — be prepared to have your jaw dropped for half the movie.

Without spoiling anything that isn’t already stated or explained in the synopsis or loglines, “Saltburn” is about a quiet and introverted young man named Oliver Quick, played by Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who attends Oxford University and ends up meeting one of many rich students named Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi. After their meeting, Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family’s estate — yeah, rich people garbage — where they spend their time partying and goofing off. However, things are turning sour amongst the group of friends and siblings that are staying at the estate, interpersonal relationships are harboring dark secrets and lies and capital ‘M’ Manipulation is afoot around every corner. But that’s just one of the main themes — who’s word can you really trust and will they keep quiet about the truth? What is even true in the first place?

“Saltburn” does an excellent job at depicting class differences, disparities and especially the ignorance of the upper class, even if they’re trying to be kind. Comparing Oliver treating the Cattons to the way they treat Oliver and how they talk about him when he’s not around are two very different things too, which is interesting to see. Everyone treats him like a charity case to make themselves feel better, and Oliver wants nothing more than to have friends that love him. As I said before, “Saltburn” delves into many interesting and complex themes, so here’s just a spoil-free warning of what to expect: class differences, Manipulation — a whole lot of manipulation, like I can’t preface enough how manipulative everyone is — desire turning into obsession, many forms of symbolism and revenge. All of which make for an excellent film. 

That’s not to say I don’t have my criticisms as well. Despite this definitely being one of my favorite movies, some questions came up about the character’s motivation behind their actions. I know why they’re doing what they’re doing, but what caused them to choose to do it in the first place — if you’ve seen it, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, one of the producers for “Barbie,” “Saltburn” actually hasn’t received many awards compared to others that were also a success this year, but has received quite a few nominations, like the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs. Even with audiences all saying similar things, that “Saltburn” is very good, but also very weird, critics have given this film a pretty average score with a 7/10 on iMDB, 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60% on Metacritic. In my own opinion, I think “Saltburn” is easily a cult classic. It’s weird and twisted, cinematically beautiful in every frame and especially complex with its characters. I definitely recommend it if you have the stomach for a film such as this.