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
Season 4 introduces two captivating characters portrayed by Michael Peña and Louis Ozawa. Peña takes on the role of Domingo Chavez, a highly skilled individual with a unique approach to accomplishing his goals. He adds an intriguing layer of mystery, leaving viewers guessing his true allegiance until the very end. Ozawa breathes life into the character of Chao Fah, a complex entrepreneur navigating the gray areas of morality. Balancing his desire for a better life for his family with his involvement in the shadowy world, Chao Fah becomes a catalyst for intense drama.
The interactions between these new characters and Jack Ryan promise to captivate audiences throughout the season. Peña sheds light on his character’s dynamic, stating, “Mine has deep military training, and he has a certain way of doing things and getting things accomplished, which is much different than Jack Ryan. You don’t know if he’s with them. You don’t know what’s going to happen in the end. It just keeps you guessing until the end.” Ozawa adds depth to his character’s motivations, drawing inspiration from Robert De Niro’s iconic role in Casino, emphasizing his ambition and ability to outsmart his adversaries.
Betty Gabriel joins the cast as Elizabeth Wright, the formidable CIA Acting Director, while Abbie Cornish reprises her role as Cathy Mueller, Jack Ryan’s love interest. Gabriel describes the evolving relationship between Elizabeth and Jack as they navigate a complex and treacherous world, stating, “Elizabeth and Jack start off the season as great collaborators and cohorts. They are thrown into this messy situation right off the bat, and they’ve got their hands full. But it’s really great to have gotten to this point where they are able to trust each other, and they get each other.” Cornish adds a touch of normalcy to Jack Ryan’s life as Cathy and Jack commit to a genuine relationship amidst the chaos.
The challenges faced by these characters are the backbone of the thrilling storyline. Cornish emphasizes Cathy’s role in grounding Jack, providing a sense of stability amidst the tumultuous events. She remarks, “Cathy has always been a very grounding force for Jack. She’s the person who grounds him in the world and reminds him of what really matters. So she’s always been an important character in that way.”
In an exclusive interview, Fuhrman shared her excitement about the film’s empowering message and the opportunity to portray a strong female character. She said, “I am thrilled to be a part of ‘Sheroes’ and to bring a powerful female character to life. This film challenges the traditional notions of heroism and highlights the strength and resilience of women. It’s a story that needs to be told, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Wallis Day, previously recognized for her impressive work in “Batwomen,” adds depth and complexity to her character, infusing the film with a sense of vulnerability and strength. Day expressed her enthusiasm for the film, stating, “What drew me to ‘Sheroes’ was the chance to play a character who embodies both strength and authenticity. The film celebrates the unbreakable bonds between women and showcases the power that comes from unity and friendship. It’s an incredible story, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Skai Jackson, whose incredible talent and undeniable charisma make her a force to be reckoned with in “Sheroes,” emphasized the importance of representation and diversity in action cinema. She remarked, “Being a part of ‘Sheroes’ is a dream come true. This film breaks barriers and shows that women can be the heroes of their own stories. It’s crucial to have diverse and inclusive narratives, and I’m honored to contribute to that with this project.”
At its core, “Sheroes” is a celebration of female strength and resilience. The film sends a powerful message, urging audiences to recognize the unwavering determination and capability within themselves. Fuhrman further highlighted this aspect, saying, “Through the gripping story and compelling performances, ‘Sheroes’ shows that gender is not a limitation when it comes to achieving greatness and overcoming obstacles. It’s a reminder that we all possess the strength to make a difference.”
