Dir. Emerald Fennell | Streaming On Prime | Rating: 2/5

Since Saltburn released so close to the end of 2023, it has naturally become 2024’s first buzzy film. I was so excited to sink my teeth into this one, as it had been described as a twisted vampire-esque black comedy about the atrocities of the rich. Though I’m always ready to eat the rich, Saltburn was a let down for me. 

I’m shocked this film escaped A24’s grubby little paws, since Saltburn’s cinematography and storytelling definitely classify this as arthouse horror adjacent in my book. Aesthetically, from set design to costuming and casting, this film delivers at the highest level. Barry Keoghan excels in this role delivering his trademark quirkiness that fits Oliver’s character to the T. Jacob Elordi still hasn’t sold me on any of his roles so far, but he is the latest heartthrob, so he is here to stay. 

The commentaries on sex, manipulation, and wealth are stellar in this film, but are bogged down by the sluggish tension and bloated storyline. There just isn’t enough happening between the shocking scenes to justify such a long runtime. This definitely pushes the envelope on whether or not the film can actually be considered horror – but I think there is enough body horror here to qualify its inclusion to the genre. 

Now, onto the shock value and body horror of Saltburn. I love when films are mass consumed to the scale Saltburn was, and still is. Ultimately, this film will find itself in front of audiences it definitely was not made for. I couldn’t help but laugh reading all of the appalled reviews from middle aged housewives appalled that Oliver is a manipulative, psychopathic, bisexual – doing psychopathic bisexual shit. Jokes aside, the media hype over some of these scenes makes them fall flat. My boyfriend and I watched the bathtub scene and said “That’s it?”

I wanted so much more from Saltburn. The potential was definitely there, but without significant tightening to the script and length, its clever societal commentary is lost in translation. 

Know Before You Watch: Features death, blood, sex.