Saltburn

I'd seen this film advertised at my local cinema but written it off as the description, in not giving anything away, sounded like Brideshead re-revisited. Then having heard some hype I couldn't see how it could be rated 15. But you know how in films, people would kiss, then suddenly be lying in bed smoking; as adults, we’ve been there, and we know they’ve just had sex, but how could a censor or anyone argue with what was actually shown. If you watch ‘The Good Place’ or ‘The Simpsons’, there are parts where you laugh along with the writers but you know it’ll go over kids’ heads. This was definitely a 15 in what it showed but I blushed at what was inferred. Having heard of ‘the bath scene’ or the ‘graveyard scene’, I was concerned, and more surprised by the 'vampire' scene and that the necrophilia actually occurred elsewhere. Or was that just my perverse adult imagination!

I'm disturbed. Outstandingly disturbed, mind you. It is very out there as it features some uncomfortable moments, but that's never a bad thing if it's done right... and boy is it here. The film does an excellent job at making it all fit, which is actually quite impressive. Main plot-wise, it's not a hard one to predict... or at least not quite as unpredictable as the film possibly thinks it is based on the 'reveals' (?) at the end, but again: never a bad thing if done correctly. The main takeaway from all this is certainly the unsettling stuff. This 2023 production also holds fantastic cast performances. Barry Keoghan is top notch, I've seen various people online rave about him as an actor but I hadn't really seen it until now. Jacob Elordi merits praise too, as does Rosamund Pike - another one I haven't previously been too keen on, though she is fun here. In fact, on paper it's an iffy cast to me. In reality, the cast are perfect. Credit also to Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver and Archie Madekwe. No doubt, 'Saltburn' is a great movie! A must-watch, I'd say. Emerald Fennell is two for two with me now, after I also highly enjoyed 'Promising Young Woman' (same rating, fwiw).

**It's been a long while since I stumbled upon a film that wasn't painfully predictable.** What struck me the most was this bizarre yet fascinating connection I developed with a psychopath. It sounds odd, but the film masterfully reels you into this vortex of the character's emotions and psyche. And then, somewhere along the line, it cleverly severed this connection, leaving me... adrift. However, what really resonated with me was the cinematography. The camera work, grading, lighting – everything seemed meticulously crafted to enhance the narrative and the mood of the film. There were moments where I was simply awe-struck by the beauty of a single shot. Worth watching.