Released in late 2023, this British dramedy revolves around Oliver Quick (played by the electrifying Barry Keoghan) and his friendship with Felix Catton (played by “Euphoria”’s actor Jacob Elordi) at Oxford, which leads to a whirlwind summer set in Saltburn at Catton’s estate. Quick narrates it all from an undetermined point in time.

After Quick’s arrives at Saltburn, his worldview is in contrast with the ultra-wealthy Catton family, who enjoy simpler pleasures, such as watching a screener of “Superbad” on a small TV while enjoying “ A Midsummer’s Night Dream” themed party with over 200 people. The Catton family in general have a habit of bringing in people who are of lower, often working class status over to the estate while also not working for their wealth.

While there are several interpretations on the movie involving their class differences, one interpretation that resonated with me is that it feels like a love story. A twisted, obsessive love story, but a love story nonetheless.

The film, which the bulk of it takes place in Summer 2007, utilizes its setting with off-handed references to that time. The strategic choice by writer and director, Emerald Fennell, places the story in a time when mobile phones were not smartphones, and the lack of social media allowed certain plot developments to unfold.

This is Fennell’s second film since “Promising Young Woman”, which was released in 2020.

The Saltiest of Burns

The title, which seems odd at first, describes the name of the estate. But there is another interpretation that one might have on it. The title is about Quick’s relationship with Catton and his family. Slow-burn, as a concept from romantic literature, is about a couple’s gradual build-up of their relationship over the course of the narrative.  

Hate is often connected with love, not just in passion but also in care. You can truly hate someone, but they will be often on your mind despite the harm and scorched earth they have wrought upon your close-knit world. Love’s true opposite is indifference, a state of not caring in any way for the individual.

Also could refer to a particular scene that was very unhygienic in terms of bathroom decorum. If you know, you know.

Shakespearean British Humour

After watching the film a second time, I noticed how the plays of Shakespeare were referenced throughout the film.

The film highlights two Shakespearean plays. The most overt being “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Unlike the film, the play is a comedy of errors, which involves fairies meddling into the lives of four young people, and inevitably rearranging their loves onto different people. Of course, It was sorted in the end, with a happy ending.

The main theme of the play had to do with love, and how it can be found in different places. The play is used to celebrate Quick’s birthday. In fact, the Catton family was inspired to theme the party around this play. The two major characters were shown to have worn costumes inspired by the play.

Quick was dressed up as Puck, a fairy who started the main romantic plot of the play through his trickster antics. Similar to Quick, he also narrates throughout the play. The visual imagery of the antlers he wore for his costume comes into play during the party.  

Farleigh Start, Felix Catton’s cousin as played by Archie Madekwe, is one of the only major characters who is antagonistic toward Quick for the majority of the film. He cosplayed as Bottom, who is a human-turned-donkey hybrid due to magic.

In the play, he is considered a minor character, with his storyline consisting of having an affair with a love-potioned Titania, queen of the fairies. While this film is more down to earth than the play, there is some aspect of outsiderness that Start shared with Quick that is not fully understood by the other characters due to their status.

Another Shakespearean play referenced is “Hamlet”, which is a well-known play about a young man seeking revenge for his father’s death at the hands of his uncle. Like Quick, Hamlet wore a metaphorical mask while trying to seek what he wanted. There is also one notable character within the film that is similar to Ophelia’s character arc in the play.

“You Better Not Kill the Groove”

Please watch this film. There is a lot to appreciate, regarding the visual choices that were made regarding the film, like filming in a 4:3 aspect ratio, mimicking the style of 2000s media in television. For the sake of your family’s sanity, this is not a family film. This is rated R, due to nudity, references to eating disorders, and death. “Saltburn” can be found on Amazon Prime.