Saltburn (2023), directed and written by Emerald Fennell, is a darkly comedic thriller that blends psychological tension with sharp social commentary. Known for her work on Promising Young Woman, Fennell brings her unique style to this twisted tale of obsession, privilege, and deception. With an impressive cast featuring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Carey Mulligan, Saltburn delivers a suspenseful, yet satirical exploration of wealth, power, and the lengths people will go to maintain their status.

The film centers on Oliver (played by Barry Keoghan), a socially awkward and financially struggling university student who becomes infatuated with his wealthy and charismatic classmate, Felix (Jacob Elordi). Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family’s luxurious estate, Saltburn, where Oliver finds himself both captivated and disturbed by the extravagant lifestyle of the upper class. As Oliver’s obsession with Felix grows, the boundaries between friendship and manipulation begin to blur, leading to a series of dark and unsettling events that expose the secrets of the Saltburn household.

Barry Keoghan gives an outstanding performance as Oliver, skillfully portraying a character who is both sympathetic and sinister. Keoghan’s ability to convey Oliver’s internal conflict—his yearning for acceptance, his envy of Felix, and his increasing moral corruption—is central to the film’s tension. Oliver’s descent into darker behavior is both chilling and intriguing, and Keoghan’s performance keeps the audience captivated, unsure of whether to sympathize with him or fear him. His portrayal is a complex one, offering a nuanced take on the character of an outsider seeking a place in a world he doesn’t truly belong to.

Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Euphoria, takes on the role of Felix, the charming yet morally ambiguous heir to the Saltburn estate. Elordi brings a smooth, almost predatory quality to Felix, embodying the wealth and privilege that define his character. Felix is the type of person who is used to getting whatever he wants, yet his relationships with those around him are shallow and manipulative. The dynamic between Felix and Oliver is at the heart of the film, as Oliver’s admiration quickly turns into an obsession that Felix is either unaware of or completely indifferent to.

Supporting performances from Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Pike plays Felix’s enigmatic mother, whose complex relationship with her son and her own personal demons adds to the film’s exploration of family dysfunction. Grant, as Felix’s father, is a charming yet tragic figure who reveals the dark undercurrents of the family’s wealth and privilege. Together, the ensemble cast delivers an exceptional performance that enhances the film’s psychological tension and makes the Saltburn estate feel like both a gilded cage and a ticking time bomb.

One of the standout aspects of Saltburn is its visual style. Fennell, known for her sharp aesthetic sensibilities, creates a lush, almost surreal atmosphere within the Saltburn estate. The cinematography, combined with a striking use of color and design, makes the mansion feel like both a symbol of wealth and a character in its own right. The contrast between the opulence of the estate and the darkness lurking beneath its surface adds a layer of foreboding to the narrative. The film’s visual and thematic elements intertwine to reflect the tension between appearance and reality, and the characters’ hidden motivations.

At its core, Saltburn is a commentary on class, privilege, and the lengths people will go to in order to fit into a world they cannot truly inhabit. The film satirizes the superficiality of the rich, exposing the emptiness behind their opulent lifestyles. It also explores the dangers of obsession, the seduction of wealth, and the way envy can distort one’s sense of morality. Fennell uses humor and suspense to keep the audience engaged while also challenging them to question the values of a society that prizes status and appearances over genuine human connection.

In conclusion, Saltburn (2023) is a dark, witty, and provocative film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its strong performances, particularly from Keoghan and Elordi, sharp social commentary, and stylish direction, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of obsession, wealth, and the pursuit of belonging. Emerald Fennell’s unique blend of humor and thriller elements makes Saltburn an unforgettable cinematic experience, leaving audiences questioning the price of fitting in and the consequences of unchecked desire.