Benji Boyd, Junior, Assistant Editor
2023 was a big year for cinema. The online ‘Barbenheimer’ phenomenon brought millions flocking to theaters back in July for the simultaneous release of Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ allowing both movies to rake in massive profits in the box office. Ridley Scott delivered the second major biopic of the year, ‘Napoleon,’ back in November, and Alexander Payne’s light-hearted ‘The Holdovers’ adds a little comedy into the mix. However, one 2023 release has carried its buzz into the new year, but does it deserve the hype? According to the reviews, that’s a complicated question. Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn,’ starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, is considered by some to be the most decisive film of the year. The hype surrounding it seems to be a product of strong opinions all around – some love it, some hate it, everyone is talking about it. In this article, I’ll avoid spoilers and attempt to explain both sides of the argument, and why I, personally, fall strongly into the camp that I do.
‘Saltburn’ tells the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a seemingly shy and awkward first-year Oxford student, who becomes attached to the charismatic and gloriously wealthy Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). When Oliver is invited to Felix’s family estate, Saltburn, he enters into a world of old money and old customs, and encounters a family that embodies every stereotype of the clenched, prim and proper, British elite. If you’re thinking that you’ve heard this before, you most certainly have. However, ‘Saltburn’ does contain an interesting twist that portrays the typical ‘disadvantaged youth entering a world of ridiculous wealth and backstabbing intrigue’ trope in a new light. If you are up for two hours of ridiculously overdone stabs at creating the desired aesthetic and cheap tricks designed to shock, you might just make it to the point.
It is painfully obvious what ‘Saltburn’ is chasing, and incredibly painful to watch it fall short. The world portrayed in ‘Saltburn’ is one of partying, drinking, smoking, and debauchery so extreme and constant it almost becomes a joke, as though the movie were satirizing the very aesthetic it strives to achieve. Although ‘Saltburn’ is intended as satire, it is unclear which elements are intended to be overblown and which are just the style of the movie. The dichotomy of a hedonistic and wild party-life at Oxford, of all places, and a luxurious but laughably old-fashioned existence at the Saltburn estate reveals the movie’s desire to deliver a message about elitism, privilege, and the dangers of extreme wealth. However, while the ploys used to get this across may have fit in if the story was set in the 1930s, they seem so out of place to render them unbelievable in 2006, when the movie is actually set. One could argue that this is all part of the satire, but there is so little finesse that it feels like the movie is hitting you in the face with it. Everything about the film, from the ‘shocking’ sexual content to the over-stylized atmosphere to the pretentious and unlikeable characters, gives the impression of taking itself far too seriously.
However, for everything that I don’t like about the movie, there are arguments to counterbalance. For example, many people enjoyed the movie for the pure vibes. Undoubtedly, if you look past the other conventions of storytelling, ‘Saltburn’ is visually pleasing to watch. Long lingering shots over the grounds of the estate, beautiful contrasts between colors, and a couple of interesting tricks with mirrors earn the movie its reputation for being artistic and atmospheric. Yet, for me personally, the plot and characters are what make or break a movie, and not having anyone to root for ruined the experience. Once it became clear what the film was doing, the plot twists became predictable and the characters insufferable. While my opinion may be popular, there are just as many who disagree. Just google ‘Saltburn’ reviews and you’ll see that the votes are nearly split between one star, where I firmly fall, and five stars, suggesting that there is something about the movie that does it for many people.
My opinion is that ‘Saltburn’ was not worth my time, but like anyone else, I was originally drawn in by the promises of jaw-dropping shocks and the controversy surrounding them. If you’re curious in which camp you’ll fall, it’s available on Amazon Prime. Who knows? Maybe you’ll love it. Or maybe, you’ll think it’s just okay, and be the one to give ‘Saltburn’ its first three-star rating.