Almost everyone has heard of “Saltburn” by now — the “traumatizing” film directed by Emerald Fennell that has taken social media by storm, both in the form of shocked reactions and Jacob Elordi fan edits. “Saltburn” not only challenges societal norms but also fearlessly dives into the exploration of sexuality, presenting intimate scenes with a raw and unapologetic lens. Spoilers ahead.
The story revolves around protagonist Oliver Quick, played by Barry Keoghan, a student at Oxford University, navigating the social circles of the British upper class. He befriends the popular and charismatic Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi, whose family owns the grand Saltburn estate. Quick’s keen intellect and strategic thinking allow him to eventually spend a summer in Saltburn with Catton. As he delves deeper into the intricate network of Saltburn’s connections and history, Quick eventually disrupts and dismantles the estate’s structure of wealth and power from within. By the end, all of Catton’s immediate family members have been murdered, and Quick has gained full control. The entirety of the film is colorful and saturated, using foreshadowing in every corner.
The film’s popularity grew exponentially on TikTok and other social media platforms, but this came with unintended consequences. Scenes that were spotlighted on social media, particularly the infamous bathtub and graveyard scenes, were vehemently critiqued. This growing controversy around “Saltburn” on platforms like TikTok overshadowed the true impact of these moments, leading to an underwhelming experience for many viewers of the movie. These contradictions of enjoyment and disappointment show the influence of social media and how platforms such as TikTok can inadvertently alter the audience’s cinematic experience.
Jacob Elordi’s captivating presence in “Saltburn” undoubtedly plays a significant role in enhancing the film’s visual appeal and thematic depth. Elordi’s striking looks and charisma extend beyond conventional attractiveness, effectively becoming part of the narrative. The deliberate framing and cinematography that highlight Elordis’s features invites the audience to engage in Elordis’s charm and the subsequent consequences it entails. Jacob Elordi’s undeniable physical attractiveness, marked by his height and muscular physique, add a strong physical presence to his character. His commanding stature creates a visual impact that reinforces the character’s privileged status. Elordi’s role adds layers of depth to the film’s narrative, shaping his character’s dominance and influence throughout the film.
When it comes to the production of “Saltburn,” it’s intriguing to consider how director Fennell’s own life experiences and privileged background potentially shaped her depiction of aristocratic life. Fennell’s experiences at Oxford when she was a student and the elite nature of Fennell’s social circle show a clear parallel. According to “Variety,” she was part of a rarefied, and “cool” social set, even noting her family background:
“For Fennell is the daughter of society jeweler Theo Fennell, whose clients include Elton John and Madonna. Nicknamed the ‘King of Bling,’ Theo went to Eton (the same school as Prince William and Harry) while his daughter attended Marlborough, where she was a few years above Princess Eugenie and a few years below Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge. At Oxford, she was part of a rarefied — and thus inevitably ‘cool’ — social set whose family names I recognized from gossip columns and history books… Balfour, Frost, von Bismarck, Guinness, Shaffer,” said K.J. Yossman, a classmate of Fennell’s.
So while “Saltburn” acknowledges the absurd wealth of the upper classes, it fails to truly interrogate it. Instead of delving into the complexities of aristocratic behavior, cruelty, and entitlement, “Saltburn” seems to present the upper class in a much more favorable light, showcasing the absurdity rather than the darker aspects. The film’s handling of class is slightly tone-deaf, where the middle class is portrayed as evil parasites or “moths,” constantly attempting to destroy the upper class. The film’s failure to explore the entitlement pervasive among the upper class and its focus on the middle class as predators are missed opportunities for a more nuanced social commentary.
Despite the bias instilled by the producer, and the overwhelming reactions of fans, “Saltburn” remains a colorful and unique film that’s definitely worth seeing. “Saltburn” is a multifaceted exploration of privilege, desire, and power. Taking this into consideration, we would rate this movie a 4 out of 5 stars for its poignant and beautiful casting, plot, and Jacob Elordi.
