Thursday, December 28, 2023

Saltburn (2023)

 Pros: Barry Keoghan gives the performance of his life (so far) as the extremely intelligent Oliver Quick who develops an infatuation with the hot and wealthy Felix (Jacob Elordi) and he eventually worms his way into Felix's family, the vain and shallow Elspeth (Rosamund Pike) and the foolish James (Richard E. Grant) and then there's sister, Venetia (Alison Oliver) who is probably the only decent character in the film. The film is slow moving and semi-unpredictable, though also incredibly bizarre and then comes the last roughly five minutes of the film which confirms (or at least confirmed mine) your suspicions and leaves you wondering if you should watch the film again. 

Cons: Though Promising Young Woman is a revelation, a brilliant piece from Emerald Fennell, this one falls short at packing the same relevant, emotional punch even though it does contain the same sort of twisty ending. Justice is not served in this film and it leaves you hollow.

Recommend: Maybe

Grade: B+

Side Notes:

-The set is opulent and over the top.

-The scene and reaction after Felix's body is found is especially disturbing. 

-While eventually the Catton dies off, one by one, the family friend, Farleigh (Archie Madekwe), his fate remains unknown.

-It is never explained how Felix gets away with murdering the whole family, sans James, especially since he tears tubes out of Elspeth's throat.

-The ending is rather rushed. 

-It is also unclear why Oliver lies about his family, other than to gain sympathy but that turns into a disaster. 

-There is also an especially bizarre scene involving Venetia's period blood.

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