Reactions to Saltburn, the highly anticipated movie that debuted on streaming services in mid November, have varied.
This dark comedic thriller film, directed by Emerald Fennell, tells the tale of Felix played by Jacob Elordi, a wealthy Oxford student, and his distress at his friend Olivier’s played by Barry Keoghan terrible living circumstances. Oliver accepts Felix’s invitation to spend the summer holidays with him and his family at their estate after they have spent some time together. Close after, a series of unusual events take place, severely impacting Felix’s family.
Actors and actresses like Rosamund Pike, Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and Alison Oliver starred in this trending movie. According to Prime Video, this movie has received over 150 million views.
Referring back to the “unusual events,” a number of Grand Ledge High School students were divided on this movie because of those specific scenarios.
“It was kind of disturbing but the overall plot was good. I guess I’d watch it again but only if I was showing it to a friend or something,” Senior Olivia Navin said.
Navin stated in the interview that she believed the movie would only appeal to those who “don’t mind a surprise here and there”.
When viewers were able to decipher the storyline twist involving Oliver and Felix, the two major protagonists, it was “easier” to really understand the movie according to Emerald Fennell.
“I had to stop watching after fifteen minutes. It was strange, weird, and super unsettling,” Senior Lydia Beaton said.
Many people found different ways to relate to the story, even in spite of the negative reviews. Examining the issue of obsession and desire is one of the film’s aspects.
Oliver has a strong longing for Felix that eventually develops into a dying obsession. According to Saltburn, there is more going on beneath the surface of even the most seemingly civilized people than what meets the eye. It goes further into those people’s thoughts to reveal more savagery and depravity.
While the movie was taking place in Oxford and Northamptonshire, Saltburn in 2006, the production made a few over-the-hill songs go viral on platforms such as TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Music. This contains tunes like Mason & Princess Superstar’s Perfect (Exceeder), MGMT’s Time to Pretend, and Sophie Ellis’ Murder on the Dance Floor, among others.
“My favorite thing about the movie is the soundtrack. I love the music, especially ‘Time to Pretend’ by MGMT,” Senior Isabella Valerio said.
This sentimental soundtrack exuded a sense of elegant, vibrant nostalgia. In the film, clothing served as a strong social status and belonging indicator. The Cattons, Felix’s family, dress for dinner. Felix described it to Oliver as “like, black tie”. Saltburn is hit by 2000’s fashion, creating a seductive, opulent look. This ranged from the Catton’s butlers dressed in their expensive livery and vintage shoes, as well as their residents dressed in their classiest attire just to dine with family and friends.
“I personally loved the aesthetic of the film. I did not expect some of the feral scenes but the ending was also super surprising. I watched it for the plot (Jacob Elordi). Overall, definitely a watch and would watch again,” Valerio said.
