REVIEW:
It’s The Talented Mr Ridley meets the Social Network, and if you like the tones and atmosphere of those two films, then this one is right up your alley. It might be darker and more extreme than those films, but it definitely feels like a melding, not just in terms of tone, but also story. You see, the movie is about college aged youth and parties and living the life of the elite, luxurious young. These kids have not a care in the world, and are just out to have a fun time. But there is more going on under the surface. A whole lot more.
The movie is about one particular character, Oliver Quick, played by the mesmerizing Barry Keoghan. This kid is so unlike any actor we’ve seen before, with his awkwardness and uncomfortable attributes. He’s the exact opposite of the conventional Hollywood movie star, and maybe that’s exactly why he’s so interesting. And this is the follow up film to Promising Young Woman (one of the great movies of the past few years,) by writer / director Emerill Ferrell.
Saltburn isn’t on the same level as that film, but it is still very compelling. The basic idea here is that this kid finds a way into high society, by befriending the wealthiest, most popular kid in school. Soon he is spending time around that kids family, spending the summer living at his mansion. And some darkness and deception ensues. The movie hits on multiple genres, including black comedy, but it’s definitely a thriller and mystery at heart. Like Ripley, or Promising Young Woman for that matter, this is not a feel good movie, but it is definitely interesting.