Saltburn: A Stylish, Twisted Dive into Dark Obsession

Barry Keoghan’s ability to immerse himself into deeply disturbing roles continues to impress, and Saltburn is no exception. His portrayal of Felix is unnervingly captivating—he radiates an unsettling charm that keeps you glued to the screen, even when the character's actions veer into discomforting territory. Keoghan has a knack for playing characters you can’t quite pin down, and in Saltburn, that ambiguity adds a rich layer of tension throughout. His performance is the twisted heart of a film that isn’t afraid to be weird, provocative, and emotionally chaotic.

Director Emerald Fennell, following the success of Promising Young Woman, once again proves she has a distinct voice and a meticulous eye for detail. Her handling of morally murky, psychologically complex characters is sharp, particularly those driven by revenge, insecurity, or skewed desire. The world she builds in Saltburn is hauntingly beautiful and completely off-kilter—a rich, rotting playground where nothing is quite as it seems.

The film’s visual presentation is one of its strongest aspects. Shot on 35mm, the cinematography gives Saltburn an elegant, almost vintage aesthetic that contrasts deliciously with the depravity unfolding on screen. Every frame feels carefully constructed, from lavish interiors to eerie exteriors soaked in saturated color. The soundtrack enhances the film’s atmosphere with a perfectly curated mix of haunting and hypnotic tracks that underscore the unease simmering beneath the surface.

Where Saltburn falters slightly is in its ending. After such a compelling buildup, filled with unexpected twists and a growing sense of dread, the final act feels rushed. The big reveal hits hard, but the events that follow don’t tie together as cleanly or satisfyingly as they could have. There’s a sense that Fennell had something more to say, but ran out of room to say it. As a result, the conclusion leaves you with lingering questions, and not in a good, thought-provoking way.

Still, Saltburn is a singular experience. It’s entrancing, seductive, and chilling, carried by a career-defining performance from Barry Keoghan and the unwavering vision of Emerald Fennell. For those who enjoy cinema that pushes boundaries, revels in discomfort, and dares to be different, Saltburn is absolutely worth the watch—even if its final notes don’t land quite as powerfully as the rest.