Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix, who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten. A film by Emerald Fennell, starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, Paul Rhys, and Carey Mulligan.

Scholarship student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) from Prescot attends Oxford University, where he struggles to fit in due to his lack of familiarity with upper-class manners. He befriends Michael Gavey (Ewan Mitchell), a nerdy student ostracized by his classmates. However, Oliver finds himself drawn to Felix, a charismatic student from the wealthy Catton family, who is adored by everyone.

Stuck in the same study group with Felix’s American cousin, Farleigh Start (Archie Madekwe), Oliver endures the disdainful glances of Farleigh. As Felix basks in the spotlight of his entourage, Oliver feels invisible.

But that changes when Felix’s bike gives him trouble. Oliver, passing by, offers his own bike for Felix to get to class. Touched by this unexpected kindness, Felix later invites Oliver for drinks with his group. Thrilled, Oliver ditches Michael and eagerly embraces this new social avenue. However, Michael, wary of Felix’s charming façade, warns Oliver that his interest will likely fade soon.

Felix gravitates toward Oliver, touched by his raw honesty about his family’s struggles with addiction and mental illness. But Farleigh’s envious gaze constantly shadows their burgeoning friendship. After a heated exchange with Felix, Oliver receives a gut-wrenching call from his mother: his father is gone. Seeking solace, he stumbles into Felix’s room, where Felix offers quiet comfort and urges Oliver to return home. But Oliver remains determined to stay and finish his final exams. Oxford, he insists, is all he has, and he cannot let his education slip away.

After the final exams, Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family’s estate, Saltburn. Oliver hesitates at first, thinking it might be strange, but Felix reassures him that his mother often hosts guests for months at a time and that he’s free to leave if he ever feels uncomfortable.

Arriving at Saltburn, Oliver is introduced to Felix’s family: his parents, Sir James (Richard E. Grant) and Lady Elspeth (Rosamund Pike), his sister Venetia (Alison Oliver), his American cousin Farleigh, and Elspeth’s friend Poor Dear Pamela (Carey Mulligan). He charms them all effortlessly, yet his infatuation with Felix intensifies. When no one’s watching, Oliver’s strange behavior surfaces. He can’t help but keep a watchful eye on Felix from afar, his gaze lingering in the shadows.

Elspeth and James are planning a birthday party for Oliver at their estate as the summer winds down. Felix throws another curveball Oliver’s way – a surprise road trip. Oliver is initially thrilled, but his excitement fizzles when he learns Felix contacted his mother, intending to reunite them. Panic flickers in Oliver’s eyes as they pull up to his childhood home. He pleads to go in alone, but Felix insists to see Oliver’s mother. Stepping inside, Felix is met with a shocking revelation: Oliver’s entire past might be built on a foundation of half-truths.

Directed, written, and produced by English filmmaker Emerald Fennell, Saltburn takes viewers on a wild ride. Shocking events unfold at a wealthy family estate after the arrival of Oliver, an awkward young lad from Prescot. Obsessed with his friend Felix, Oliver harbors a hidden agenda that fuels the film’s mystery. While some actions may seem inconsistent or illogically motivated, Saltburn’s intrigue never flags. Each twist and turn keeps viewers glued to the screen.

Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi command the screen with electric performances. Keoghan sends shivers down spines with his chilling intensity, while Elordi’s infectious charm radiates through every scene, making viewers surprisingly find themselves rooting for him. Rosamund Pike, resplendent in her portrayal of the eccentric Lady Elspeth, steals the show each time she graces the screen with her presence.

One lingering question arises, however: why is there no police involvement? Set in 2007, not 1907, the film’s escalating events would surely trigger an investigation. The villain’s ease of escape feels implausible. The film’s final revelation undercuts the suspense and mystery it meticulously crafted throughout, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed.

Saltburn premiered at Telluride Film Festival on 31 August 2023. The film was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 17 November. The film also received a limited theatrical release in the United Stats on 17 November before its nationwide release on 22 November. Saltburn was available for Amazon Prime Video subscriber on the next day.