Saltburn
★★★★
I haven't ever watched Euphoria, but if this is what kids are into these days, I want nothing of it. Saltburn has to be one of the most divisive and perverse movies to come out of 2023. I totally can understand why people would either hate it or love it. I probably came out between the middle of those two sentiments, but the things that this film does right are really, really good.
First off, director Emerald Fennell has made a beautiful movie. The cinematography of this lavish lifestyle makes you understand why the lead character Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) latches onto this quirky, wealthy family. Fennell also knows how to film her beautiful and hypnotic characters. Keoghan is such a unique talent to emerge in the last few years. He has this quality that makes you always wonder what he is thinking about and has a face that is both jagged and youthful at the same time. Fennell knows how to frame her innocent(?)/ambitious(?)/sinister(?) protagonist perfectly, as well as the man (Jacob Elordi) that Oliver is obsessed with. Elordi is a beautiful man and you completely understand why everyone is so infatuated with him.
Amongst the complexities and oddities lies a story that asks us what lengths would we go to achieve wealth and security, when the result is oddly more disgusting than admirable. Like Fennell's previous effort, Promising Young Woman, some decisions are brilliant, and others don't make sense. It's as if she has so many good ideas but doesn't know what to do with them, which includes a third act that goes by too quickly compared to the rest of the film. Yet, I always wanted to see what happens next, and though rushed, the conclusion to this film is wonderous and bewildering. I love movies that make you think, and despite some imperfections, this film makes you do just that.
