Saltburn * * *

Oliver arrives at  Saltburn with his carry-on to begin his carry on

Emerald Fennell is the director who gave us Promising Young Woman which was an auspicious debut.  Although some folk waffled on about it being a powerful feminist based revenge film, I thought its intention was to be a whacky psycho drama.  And if I am wrong, this film certainly is!

Oliver (played by the excellent Barry Keoghan ) is a plain and dullish young man at University.  He befriends another young man; the very handsome, very popular, VERY FRIGGING RICH, Felix (Jacob Elordi).  He does it by helping Felix out in his hour of need.

As their friendship blossoms, Oliver conveys to Felix that he has nowhere to go over the summer as his home life is untenable. Graciously Felix invites Oliver to Saltburn, his family home.  

When Oliver arrives he finds the grand home (mansion), the staff, and most of all his eccentric family, seem to be in a class position so elite they are one step away from the royal family.  Naturally Oliver feels completely out of his league. Further to that, a previously adopted/sponsored boy is not happy about having to share his comfortable nest.  

The family themselves are aloof to any pettiness. Their isolated comfort, their privileged position, along with their incalculable wealth, has been in the family forever.  It prevents them from understanding the difference they are making to someone's life. Almost like giving spare change to a beggar. Who would notice?  Well, the creepy butler would, that's for sure.

There is much humour and some cracking lines.  Unfortunately some of it lost too. One does have to listen carefully to catch what is said with their rapid talking, clipped, upper-class, English accents, and even then you'll probably miss some.

It's heavy handed at times too, with the drinking of sperm floating in bath water, sucking menstrual blood from fingers and dry humping a grave. But in fairness it's all very symbolic and it's kind of funny when it happens. Interestingly, each of those scenes are superbly shot and choreographed as they are telling scenes which hint of the vampiric intent of Oliver.  

Yes, poor little Oliver has his own agenda.   Like Promising Young Woman, Saltburn is a fun ride and worthy of your time.