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{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|70|6.9|184|Emerald Fennell's candy-coated and incisive ''Saltburn'' is a debauched jolt to the senses that will be invigorating for most.|ref=y|access-date=November 27, 2023}} {{Metacritic film prose|60|48|ref=yes|access-date=November 24, 2023}} Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled by [[PostTrak]] gave it a 75% overall positive score, with 42% saying they would definitely recommend the film.<ref name=opening/>
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|70|6.9|184|Emerald Fennell's candy-coated and incisive ''Saltburn'' is a debauched jolt to the senses that will be invigorating for most.|ref=y|access-date=November 27, 2023}} {{Metacritic film prose|60|48|ref=yes|access-date=November 24, 2023}} Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled by [[PostTrak]] gave it a 75% overall positive score, with 42% saying they would definitely recommend the film.<ref name=opening/>


[[The Guardian]] newspaper reviewed the film after its August premiere and again after its release. [[Peter Bradshaw]] gave it three stars out of five. He noted that it "boasts dazzling turns from Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan" but that "the heavily drawn-out ending feels uncertain".<ref name=bradshaw>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Peter|last=Bradshaw|authorlink=Peter Bradshaw|date=4 October 2023|title=Saltburn review – hot Brideshead soup needs more seasoning|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/04/saltburn-review-hot-brideshead-soup-needs-more-seasoning}}</ref> Wendy Ide wrote that it "stars a miscast Barry Keoghan (he’s way too old for the role)" but that "Rosamund Pike, as Felix’s mother Elspeth, is gloriously rude; Archie Madekwe, as poor relation Farleigh, is a malicious delight". She awarded two out of a possible five stars.<ref name=ide>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Wendy|last=Ide|title=Saltburn review – Emerald Fennell's indulgent country house thriller|date=19 November 2023|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/19/saltburn-review-emerald-fennell-barry-keoghan-rosamund-pike-indulgent-country-house-thriller}}</ref>
[[The Guardian]] newspaper reviewed the film after its August premiere and again after its release. [[Peter Bradshaw]] gave it three stars out of five. He noted that it "boasts dazzling turns from Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan" but that "the heavily drawn-out ending feels uncertain".<ref name=bradshaw>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Peter|last=Bradshaw|authorlink=Peter Bradshaw|date=4 October 2023|title=Saltburn review – hot Brideshead soup needs more seasoning|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/04/saltburn-review-hot-brideshead-soup-needs-more-seasoning}}</ref> Wendy Ide wrote that it "stars a miscast Barry Keoghan (he's way too old for the role)" but that "Rosamund Pike, as Felix’s mother Elspeth, is gloriously rude; Archie Madekwe, as poor relation Farleigh, is a malicious delight". She awarded two out of five stars.<ref name=ide>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Wendy|last=Ide|title=Saltburn review – Emerald Fennell's indulgent country house thriller|date=19 November 2023|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/19/saltburn-review-emerald-fennell-barry-keoghan-rosamund-pike-indulgent-country-house-thriller}}</ref>


Nicholas Barber, reviewing the film for the [[BBC]], enjoyed the "outrageous, laugh-out-loud punchlines" but felt that "Fennell is prone to fumble" plot twists. He concludes that "if you see it as a lurid pulp fantasy rather than a penetrating satire, then Saltburn is deliriously enjoyable" and awards four out of five stars.<ref name=Barber>{{cite web|website=[[BBC]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231005-saltburn-film-review-lurid-comedy-skewers-britains-super-rich|title=Saltburn film review: 'Lurid' comedy skewers Britain's super-rich|first=Nicholas|last=Barber|date=5 October 2023}}</ref> [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] gave the film three out of five stars. In her review, Sophie Butcher reports that "Saltburn looks divine. Fennell’s eye is extraordinary, and alongside cinematographer Linus Sandgren, she captures the grand beauty of her architectural locations impeccably" but was disappointed that "Scenes often build to reach the cusp of something truly electric, but are let down by clunky dialogue."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Empire (magazine)]]|first=Sophie|last=Butcher|date=14 November 2023|title=Saltburn Review|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saltburn/}}</ref>
Nicholas Barber, reviewing the film for the [[BBC]], enjoyed the "outrageous, laugh-out-loud punchlines" but felt that "Fennell is prone to fumble" plot twists. He concludes that "if you see it as a lurid pulp fantasy rather than a penetrating satire, then Saltburn is deliriously enjoyable" and awards four out of five stars.<ref name=Barber>{{cite web|website=[[BBC]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231005-saltburn-film-review-lurid-comedy-skewers-britains-super-rich|title=Saltburn film review: 'Lurid' comedy skewers Britain's super-rich|first=Nicholas|last=Barber|date=5 October 2023}}</ref> [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] gave the film three out of five stars. In her review, Sophie Butcher reports that "Saltburn looks divine. Fennell’s eye is extraordinary, and alongside cinematographer Linus Sandgren, she captures the grand beauty of her architectural locations impeccably" but was disappointed that "Scenes often build to reach the cusp of something truly electric, but are let down by clunky dialogue."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Empire (magazine)]]|first=Sophie|last=Butcher|date=14 November 2023|title=Saltburn Review|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saltburn/}}</ref>

Revision as of 02:03, 30 November 2023

Saltburn
Theatrical release poster
Directed byEmerald Fennell
Written byEmerald Fennell
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyLinus Sandgren
Edited byVictoria Boydell
Music byAnthony Willis
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • August 31, 2023 (2023-08-31) (Telluride)
  • November 17, 2023 (2023-11-17) (United States and United Kingdom)
Running time
131 minutes[3]
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$6.6 million[4]

Saltburn is a 2023 black comedy[5][6] psychological thriller film written, directed, and produced by Emerald Fennell. The film stars Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, and Carey Mulligan. Set in England in the mid-2000s, it follows a young university student who becomes obsessed with his wealthy schoolmate, who invites him to spend the summer at his eccentric family's estate.[7]

Saltburn had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and was released in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2023, and in the United States via a limited theatrical release the same day, before expanding wide on November 22. It received generally positive reviews from critics. Praise was directed toward the film's aesthetic (particularly its cinematography, production values, score, and costume design), as well as Keoghan, Elordi and Pike's performances, but the screenplay drew polarized responses.

Plot

In 2006,[8][9][5] scholarship student Oliver Quick begins attending Oxford University. Initially rejected by his fellow students for his perceived poverty, Oliver eventually strikes up a friendship with Felix Catton, a wealthy and popular student who is empathetic to Oliver's stories of his parents' substance abuse and mental health difficulties. Oliver's increasingly obsessive behaviour towards Felix eventually alienates him, but after learning about the sudden death of Oliver's father, Felix invites him to spend the summer at his family's sprawling estate, Saltburn.

At Saltburn, Oliver is introduced to Felix's parents, Sir James and Lady Elspeth, and his sister Venetia. Also staying at Saltburn is Farleigh, Felix's American cousin who clashed with Oliver during their time in Oxford. Oliver quickly wins over Felix's family. He compliments Elspeth's appearance and later seduces Venetia by performing oral sex on her in the house garden. Farleigh sees them and informs Felix. When Felix confronts Oliver, he retorts that Venetia tried to seduce him and that he rejected her advances. Meanwhile, Oliver's obsession with Felix grows stronger. One night, he watches Felix masturbate while taking a bath and then drinks from the bathtub after Felix has left.

Tensions between Oliver and Farleigh reach a pitch during a karaoke party when Farleigh tricks Oliver into performing "Rent" in front of the family. Later that night, Oliver initiates a tense sexual encounter with Farleigh while also subtly threatening him. The next morning, Farleigh is removed from Saltburn after it is revealed that he allegedly attempted to sell rare plates from James' collection to Sotheby's.

As the summer draws to a close, Elspeth and James plan an elaborate party for Oliver's birthday. On the morning of the party, Felix surprises Oliver with a trip to see his estranged mother. However, upon arriving at his mother's house, it is revealed that Oliver's account of his background was a fabrication. His father is alive and both his parents live in a respectable upper-middle-class suburb. Felix is horrified by Oliver's deception and orders him to leave Saltburn after the party. During the celebrations, Oliver encounters Farleigh, who threatens him. Inside Saltburn's maze, Oliver tries to salvage his friendship with Felix, but Felix rejects him.

The next morning, Felix is found dead in the maze. During a tense family lunch, Oliver reveals that Farleigh was taking drugs the night before, implying that this is connected to Felix's death. James banishes Farleigh from Saltburn and cuts off all of Farleigh's financial support. After Felix's funeral, Elspeth insists that Oliver stay at Saltburn, although an inebriated and distraught Venetia later accuses Oliver of disintegrating her family. The following morning, Venetia is found dead, having apparently slit her own wrists in the bathtub. James, despondent and suspicious of Oliver's continuing presence in Saltburn, asks him to leave. Oliver insists that he cannot leave Elspeth in her current state, but eventually agrees to leave for an undisclosed sum.

Years later, Oliver reads about James's death in the newspaper. Soon after, he has a chance encounter with Elspeth at a café. She is delighted to see him and requests he return with her to Saltburn. Elspeth soon becomes fatally ill. On her deathbed, Oliver reveals that he was responsible for all the tragic events that have befallen Saltburn. Having orchestrated his initial meeting with Felix, Oliver murdered him by poisoning one of his drinks after his final rejection. He also subtly manipulated Venetia into killing herself by placing razor blades on the side of her bath and sent the email that resulted in Farleigh's removal from Saltburn. Finally, he planned his encounter with Elspeth as flashbacks reveal that she subsequently bequeathed all of her financial assets to Oliver, including ownership of Saltburn. Oliver then kills Elspeth by forcefully removing her life support.

Having now taken over Saltburn and the Catton fortune, Oliver dances naked around the mansion to "Murder on the Dancefloor".

Cast

The film stars Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant.

Production

Writer and director Emerald Fennell

Saltburn is the second film directed by Emerald Fennell, after Promising Young Woman (2020). By January 2022, Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment was in talks to produce, after collaborating with Fennell on her previous film.[10] In May 2022, Ackerley, Robbie, and Josey McNamara were confirmed as producers, while Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi, and Barry Keoghan joined the cast.[11][12] Fennell said that Australian actor Elordi "...did the most exceptional audition... He did such a genius, genius bit of observational comedy. He really really understood that for all of [Felix's] beauty and charisma, he's just sort of a spoiled little boy. He came in and just absolutely blew us all away".[13]

Carey Mulligan, star of Promising Young Woman, was revealed to be part of the cast in December.[14]

In writing the film, Fennell wanted to sympathise with unlikeable people, saying "the sorts of people that we can't stand, the sorts of people who are abhorrent—if we can love them, if we can fall in love with these people, if we can understand why this is so alluring, in spite of its palpable cruelty and unfairness and sort of strangeness, if we all want to be there too, I think that's just such an interesting dynamic." She had long wanted to make her own version of films and books set in a country house, and set the film in 2006 to "really [knock] the fucking glamour off things" by setting it in the recent past.[15]

Filming began on July 16, 2022, with Linus Sandgren serving as cinematographer.[16] The film is shown in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, with Fennell saying it gives the impression of "peeping in."[15]

Fennell was determined not to film in an estate familiar to viewers, and wanted to set the movie in one location, so aligning the filming with the film's plot, saying, "It was important to me that we were all in there together, that the making of the film in some way had that feeling of a summer where everyone loses their mind together... I didn't want to be constantly picking up and moving." and avoiding the need for post-production adjustments due to multiple locations.[15] Fennell was successful, with filming occurring at and in Drayton House, Northamptonshire,[17][18] which had never been used for filming before and may never be used again, with a part of the contract being that no one was allowed to reveal the location of the house or the identity of its owners. Despite the house's opulence, the actors ultimately became familiar with the house's interiors over the course of filming.[15]

Costumes were designed to the last minute detail, with 2000s fashion showcased in the form of ostentatious jackets, rugby shirts, and loud jewellery.[13]

Music

Main article: Saltburn (soundtrack)

The film is scored by Anthony Willis, who previously scored Fennell's Promising Young Woman. The soundtrack was released by Milan Records on November 17, 2023.

Themes

The film focuses on excess and obsession. According to Fennell, "I drew from my own experience of being a human person, who has felt that thing we all feel at that time in our life which is that absolute insane grip of obsessive love... But obviously I didn't quite go to the lengths that some of the people [in the film] do".[13]

Release

Saltburn had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023.[19][20] It premiered in the UK as the opening film of the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 4, 2023.[21]

The film premiered in Australia at SXSW Sydney on October 20, 2023,[22] before opening in Australian cinemas on November 16.[13]

In the U.S., Saltburn was given a limited release on November 17, 2023, followed by a wide expansion on November 22, 2023, by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.[1][Note 1] It was originally scheduled to be released on November 24, 2023, but was moved up a week to take advantage of the initial positive response it received at its Telluride premiere and boost its chances at awards season.[24]

Warner Bros. Pictures is handling the international release of Saltburn, with a November 17 release in the UK.[25][26][27]

Reception

Box office

As of November 27, 2023, Saltburn has grossed $3.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $3.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $6.6 million.[4]

In its limited opening weekend, the film made $322,651 from seven theaters.[28] Expanding to 1,566 theaters the following Wednesday, the film made $684,000 on its first day of wide release then $301,000 on Thanksgiving Day. It went on to debut to $1.8 million on the weekend (and a total of $2.9 million over the five-day frame), finishing in ninth.[29]

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 70% of 184 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's consensus reads: "Emerald Fennell's candy-coated and incisive Saltburn is a debauched jolt to the senses that will be invigorating for most."[30] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 60 out of 100, based on 48 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[31] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled by PostTrak gave it a 75% overall positive score, with 42% saying they would definitely recommend the film.[29]

The Guardian newspaper reviewed the film after its August premiere and again after its release. Peter Bradshaw gave it three stars out of five. He noted that it "boasts dazzling turns from Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan" but that "the heavily drawn-out ending feels uncertain".[9] Wendy Ide wrote that it "stars a miscast Barry Keoghan (he's way too old for the role)" but that "Rosamund Pike, as Felix’s mother Elspeth, is gloriously rude; Archie Madekwe, as poor relation Farleigh, is a malicious delight". She awarded two out of five stars.[32]

Nicholas Barber, reviewing the film for the BBC, enjoyed the "outrageous, laugh-out-loud punchlines" but felt that "Fennell is prone to fumble" plot twists. He concludes that "if you see it as a lurid pulp fantasy rather than a penetrating satire, then Saltburn is deliriously enjoyable" and awards four out of five stars.[5] Empire gave the film three out of five stars. In her review, Sophie Butcher reports that "Saltburn looks divine. Fennell’s eye is extraordinary, and alongside cinematographer Linus Sandgren, she captures the grand beauty of her architectural locations impeccably" but was disappointed that "Scenes often build to reach the cusp of something truly electric, but are let down by clunky dialogue."[33]

Writing in Sight and Sound, Sophie Monks Kaufman found that "the story’s superficial treatment of its characters ... becomes increasingly ruinous" and that "the most menacing thing anyone can muster here is a passive-aggressive karaoke choice". She was also underwhelmed by the film's "ostentatious visual language", in contrast to the Empire review.[6]

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Mill Valley Film Festival October 16, 2023 Filmmaker of the Year Emerald Fennell Won [34]
Savannah Film Festival November 2, 2023 Audience Award Saltburn Won [35]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards November 15, 2023 Original Score – Feature Film Anthony Willis Nominated [36]

Notes

  1. ^ Amazon MGM Studios Distribution is a new distributor, formed by Amazon Studios following their acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2022, to replace United Artists Releasing and handle the release of current and future Amazon and MGM titles.[23]

References

  1. ^ a b c Debruge, Peter (September 1, 2023). "Saltburn Review: A Vicious Talented Mr. Ripley' Knockoff From the Director of Promising Young Woman". Variety. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  2. ^ "Saltburn Trailer: Barry Keoghan Stars in Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman Follow-Up".
  3. ^ "Saltburn (16)". Irish Film Classification Office. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Saltburn". The Numbers. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Barber, Nicholas (October 5, 2023). "Saltburn film review: 'Lurid' comedy skewers Britain's super-rich". BBC.
  6. ^ a b Monks Kaufman, Sophie (November 16, 2023). "Saltburn: an ostentatious black comedy designed to shock". Sight and Sound. British Film Institute.
  7. ^ Mahale, Jenna. "Jacob Elordi to star in explicit The Talented Mr Ripley-esque new movie". i-d.vice.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  8. ^ Saltburn | Official Trailer, retrieved November 29, 2023
  9. ^ a b Bradshaw, Peter (October 4, 2023). "Saltburn review – hot Brideshead soup needs more seasoning". The Guardian.
  10. ^ Aurthur, Kate (January 24, 2022). "Emerald Fennell Sets Next Movie at MRC, Plans Summer Shoot (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  11. ^ Bamigboye, Baz (May 11, 2022). "Rosamund Pike To Star In Promising Young Woman Filmmaker Emerald Fennell's New Film". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  12. ^ Kroll, Justin (May 12, 2022). "Euphoria's Jacob Elordi And Barry Keoghan To Co-Star With Rosamund Pike In Emerald Fennell's Saltburn For MRC Film And LuckyChap: Hot Cannes Market Package". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  13. ^ a b c d Ong, Thuy (November 15, 2023). "How Oscar-winning Emerald Fennell created her fever dream thriller film Saltburn, starring Australian Jacob Elordi". ABC News (Australia). Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  14. ^ "Film Updates Announcement". Archived from the original on December 31, 2022. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d Ford, Rebecca (August 29, 2023). "Welcome to Saltburn's Twisted Gothic Tale". Vanity Fair. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  16. ^ Mishra, Shrishty (July 16, 2022). "Emerald Fennell's Saltburn Begins Filming With Academy Award-Winning DP Linus Sandgren". Collider. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  17. ^ @natfox_hmua (October 31, 2022). "What a crackin bunch of people 💕 #Saltburn" – via Instagram.
  18. ^ Crowe, Tony (July 21, 2022). "Drayton House, Drayton Park, Northamptonshire, UK". Flickr (this photo corroborates claims). Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  19. ^ Davis, Clayton (August 30, 2023). "Telluride Lineup Includes World Premieres of 'Saltburn,' 'The Bikeriders' and 'Rustin' With Tributes for Yorgos Lanthimos and Wim Wenders". Variety. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  20. ^ "Program Guide" (PDF). Telluride Film Festival. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  21. ^ "Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' to Open London Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. August 7, 2023. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  22. ^ "Saltburn". SXSW Sydney. October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  23. ^ Whittock, Jesse (May 8, 2023). "Amazon MGM Studios Distribution To Launch At LA Screenings". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  24. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 22, 2023). "Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' Going Earlier In November After Great Critical Response Out Of Telluride – Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  25. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 26, 2023). "Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' Eyes Thanksgiving Weekend Release". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  26. ^ "Saltburn Trailer: Barry Keoghan Stars in Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman Follow-Up".
  27. ^ Seth, Radhika (August 30, 2023). "See The Juicy First Trailer For Saltburn, Emerald Fennell's Hotly Anticipated New Drama Starring Jacob Elordi And Barry Keoghan". British Vogue. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  28. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 17, 2023). "'The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes' Begins With Thursday Previews At $5.75M – Box Office Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  29. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 25, 2023). "'Songbirds & Snakes' Reigning Supreme Over Thanksgiving Stretch With $41M 5-day; 'Wish' & 'Napoleon' In Tight Race For 2nd With $32M+ — Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  30. ^ "Saltburn". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved November 27, 2023. Edit this at Wikidata
  31. ^ "Saltburn". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  32. ^ Ide, Wendy (November 19, 2023). "Saltburn review – Emerald Fennell's indulgent country house thriller". The Guardian.
  33. ^ Butcher, Sophie (November 14, 2023). "Saltburn Review". Empire (magazine).
  34. ^ I.Faleye (September 9, 2023). "Saltburn Director Emerald Fennell to Receive Mill Valley Film Festival's Mind the Gap Award for Filmmaker of the Year". VIMooZ. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  35. ^ "Submit Your Film | Filmfest". filmfest.scad.edu. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  36. ^ "2023 HMMA WINNERS AND NOMINEES". Hollywood Music In Media Awards. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
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