The rich are wired differently, apparently.
In “Succession,” “Trust” and dozens of films, we see how they play by a different set of rules. Now, in “Saltburn,” they’re at it again, luring a working-class student into their world of hedonistic parties, languid afternoons and catty remarks.
The catch begins when Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) offers Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) his bicycle when Felix’s develops a flat. In gratitude, Felix invites him into his inner circle in Oxford and soon, the nerd with the sketchy family is living in Saltburn, the Catton family mansion with paintings of stuffy relatives and furniture that bears their marks.
Quickly, Oliver meets other hangers-on – including Pamela (Carey Mulligan), a hot mess who has been taken in by a family eager to appear giving. A catty American classmate, Farleigh (Archie Madekwe), a sister with an eating disorder (Alison Oliver) and parents (Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant) who want to appear tuned in are here, too. At dinner, they talk about everything and nothing. Time has no meaning; life is something you dress for.
As Oliver uncovers the world, he’s also pulled in by it and soon we discover his passion for Felix – or is a desire to be Felix?
Writer/director Emerald Fennell twists and turns this in many ways, adding plenty of kink to make sure you’re thrown off by some of “Saltburn’s” truths. Whenever a party is announced, trouble follows.
Felix, meanwhile, emerges not as a Greek god but as the ultimate bleeding heart, willing to accept people at face value. When he cruises through countless situations, Oliver becomes even more infatuated. Fennell doesn’t hesitate to spell out that infatuation, giving the film some brow-raising moments that test Keoghan’s willingness to do just about anything. He does, which makes many of the twists so surprising.
Set in 2006 (for a reason), “Saltburn” leans into the icons of the day and reintroduces the fashion that could prompt more than a laugh. That’s on purpose – and a great detractor. The more we see of the home’s trappings, the less we see of Oliver.
Elordi does an exceptional job as the boy who seemingly has it all. Everything he does is effortless. When he’s betrayed, we feel his hurt. His sister, meanwhile, is so overlooked it’s no wonder she has severe mental problems. Mom, of course, is oblivious to much and dad is more than willing to proceed on.
While “Saltburn” is constructed as a two-hander, it’s really the guest characters who make it fun. In addition to Mulligan (who should have been in many more scenes), there’s Madekwe, who can assess a situation with little more than a look. He’s Oliver’s biggest rival for Felix’s attention and he’s not going to give up. “Lots of people get lost in Saltburn,” Oliver is told and, yes, it’s true.
Tinged with moments that will remind you of “American Psycho,” “Psycho” and “Brideshead Revisited,” “Saltburn” isn’t the college drama you think it will be. Sure, the young people obsess over “Harry Potter,” but a simple book isn’t equal to the drama they’re able to conjure.
Like “Promising Young Woman,” Fennell’s Oscar-winning film, “Saltburn” slices someone else’s life, then teaches us plenty about our own.
It’s a twisty, turny drama that will make you think twice about ever accepting another invitation.
