Photos by Saltburn

Saltburn: The Dark, Twisted Dive into Obsession, Sexual Tension and Privilege

From the moment Saltburn begins, there’s an unmistakable tension simmering just beneath the surface, like a pot on the verge of boiling over. Directed by Emerald Fennell, this film doesn’t just invite you into its world – it grabs you by the collar and pulls you into a rabbit hole of obsession, privilege, and dark humour that makes you question whether it’s okay to laugh.

At the centre of this tangled web is Oliver, portrayed with unsettling magnetism by Barry Keoghan. His performance is the kind that gets under your skin, making it impossible to look away as his character becomes ever more entwined in the luxurious but hollow lives of the family at Saltburn. Oliver carries a quiet intensity, a lurking danger that Keoghan maintains with masterful subtlety throughout the film. He’s the kind of character you’re inexplicably drawn to, even as every instinct warns you something is deeply wrong.

Oliver lures you in with his quiet charm, only to unravel your every expectation with a dangerous allure that’s impossible to resist.

Felix, played by Jacob Elordi, stands as the perfect foil to Oliver. Felix’s effortless charm and arrogance are palpable – he’s a man who’s always had the world at his feet, and Elordi captures this with a casual confidence that’s as captivating as it is dangerous. Their relationship is a tension-filled dance of contrasts: Oliver’s quiet desperation against Felix’s easy dominance, driving the dark allure that keeps you hooked.

The homoerotic undertones between them are undeniable, adding another layer of complexity to their connection. The attraction and intensity they share have a queer edge, blurring the lines between admiration, obsession, and something more. The film never labels their relationship outright, leaving much to the viewer’s interpretation, which only adds to the intrigue.

The supporting cast is just as compelling. Rosamund Pike delivers a performance that’s sharp and deliciously cold as Felix’s mother, embodying the icy elegance that permeates the film’s sinister undertones. Richard E. Grant and Alison Oliver also bring their own unique energy, adding layers to the twisted dynamics at play within the Saltburn estate.

Visually, Saltburn is a feast. The cinematography is lush and decadent, with every frame dripping in opulence, yet beneath this beauty lies something rotten – a sense of moral decay that taints everything. The Saltburn estate itself feels like a character, its dark corridors and hidden corners reflecting the twisted minds of those who inhabit it.

As the film reaches its climax, Oliver becomes impossible to ignore, especially when he steps into that stag-themed fancy dress for his birthday. There’s a raw, hypnotic allure to him in that moment – Keoghan radiates a seductive energy that’s both magnetic and deeply unsettling. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Saltburn delivers a closing scene that, without giving too much away, leaves you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about desire.

Final Thoughts ★★★★★

What truly makes Saltburn a standout is the way it balances its dark themes with a biting, almost wicked sense of humour. Fennell’s script is razor-sharp, filled with moments that make you laugh – and then immediately regret it. The humour is dark, unsettling, and lingers like a guilty pleasure, long after the credits roll.

Would I recommend Saltburn? Absolutely – it’s a sexy, seductive thrill ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience that lingers in your mind, making you want to dive back in for more. Saltburn is a tantalising exploration of obsession and privilege, blending dark humour with irresistible allure. It’s a film that leaves you breathless, lingering in the best way possible – unforgettable, unapologetically bold, and oh-so-good.

Available to watch on Prime Video and other streaming services.

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