Filmmaker Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn,” featuring actors Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Archie Madekwe, and more, was just released on November 17th, bringing a twisted and dark story to 2006 England.
Stepping into the world of Saltburn can be described in many ways: psychotic, bizarre, dirty,and even romantic at times. Every element, from characters to set design, is meticulously detailed.
The main character, Oliver Quick, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, starts off the movie with the question “Did I love him,” referring to Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi. This question is answered at the end, yet in some way left open ended.
Oliver embarks on his first year at Oxford, depicted as a boy with few friends and little value. While navigating the school, he becomes infatuated with Felix and decides to befriend him.
After learning of “Oli’s” tragic background, Felix invites him to spend the summer at his dynamic family’s house, Saltburn, entering a series of twisted events.
We delve into Felix’s family, including his mother Elsbeth, aspiring to be the perfect rich mom; his father Sir James, with his quirks; his sister Venetia, possessing her own special cynical charms; and his close friend Farleigh, who can be a total douche at times.
The most important character, however, is the house itself—Saltburn. The estate is vast and gothic, evoking a vampire-like ambiance. Every room in the expansive home is intricately detailed, all shot in the same location. Fennell explains, “I really want to make sure people are familiar with geography and that we can look outside windows and see a familiar vista like all of that stuff is part of the kind of reality of it.”
Fennell reveals that the daring story of Saltburn has been in her mind for years. She shares, “I have kind of parallel universes that I go into, and Salt Burn is a place I’ve been rattling around and creeping around for years and years now.”
In a full interview (linked below), Fennell delves into the choice of the Saltburn estate, her mental drafts and character crafting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGSZ-c1LheA&ab_channel=TheKnockturnal
Archie Madekwe, who plays Farleigh, the American in the group, speaks about the fun he had playing and interacting with the diverse cast and characters. “I was spoiled for choice,” he remarks.
Each character interaction adds a unique dynamic and charm, enhancing the film’s chemistry. Despite the film’s wicked and dark nature, the cast found comfort in each other during filming.
“Saltburn” is the epitome of a mind-bending film, from the ambiguous start questioning Oliver’s love for Felix to the open-ended conclusion. The one-shot closing scene is both overwhelming and beautiful in its twisted nature.
For more on “Saltburn,” check out their socials below and experience the film in theaters now.
Website – https://www.originalmovies.amazon/saltburn/
Instagram – @saltburnfilm
X – @saltburnfilm
