In Saltburn There is Someone For Everyone

By Parker Firestone

Emerald Fennel’s Saltburn is the amalgamation of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Call Me By Your Name. Set to be a new cult classic, director Emerald Fennel has put forth what might be the most provocative cinematic production in recent years. Why you may ask? Set in what is believed to be the early 2000s, the age of Saltburn lacks the aspects of the current era of influencers, yet the film is still all the more relatable. In Saltburn, as Fennel puts it, “everyone wants everyone” which often holds true to the spectator today. As one watches the cynically dramatic plot unfold it becomes increasingly clear that not only does Fennel's statement hold true, but the characters to whom enliven the plot may as well be renditions of those around us today. Granted, we may not be spending our summer on an old English estate, but in the grand scheme of things, for better or for worse we can all relate to these characters in one way or another. Thus, Fennel’s cast of characters fulfills roles which frequent not only works of fiction but also of reality. For instance, Jacob Elordi’s character, Felix is the character that twenty somethings alike either want to be, or be with. Nevertheless, we all know a “Felix,” even if it’s just the boarding school burnout who brings the rizz to the frat basement. Yet, some of Fennel’s characters uphold traits that are less desired, yet they still remain common today. Venetia Catton, as played by Alison Oliver, is the beautiful and bored sister of Felix. Often left to her own devices, Venetia lusts for approval on the receiving end of another’s desire. Thus, regardless of age, Venetia as a character copes with a series of issues which many know too well. Speaking of all too well, Rosamund Pike plays Elspeth Catton, the ex-model-and-mother of Felix and Venetia. For many mothers over the age of 40 who have seemed to marry a much older…I mean wiser husband, it’s safe to say that an ode to their modeling days is often on the docket. Nevertheless, the undoubtable star of the show is Oliver Quick, as played by Barry Keoghan. Obsessed and transfixed by the allure of a life which is unknown to him, Oliver, inevitably allows himself to become overtaken by his obsession. Alas, one may beg the question, why couldn’t Oliver just have created a blog about the lives of these pretty young things, like Dan Humphrey?