An amusing and sordid tale of wealth, privilege and tragedy, "Saltburn" is a penetrative and voyeuristic glimpse into the genteel and eccentric world of the rich where knaivete and smugness go hand in hand like two stones rubbed at each other.
An ugly, middle class closeted homosexual is a top scholar who finds himself a slot in Oxford University. Awkward and out of place amidst his wealthier and better-looking peers he becomes besotted with a handsome aristocrat and strikes a friendship with him. When news arrives of his father's "passing" the pretty boy scion invites him over to his family estate. If he only knew.
A cross between Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and Philippe Besson's "Lie with Me" the film takes one on a panoramic view of plush surroundings and complicated relationships. Solid directing and consistently good acting make this riveting thriller of manipulation and deceit a transfixing one, where evil is not served bluntly but slyly with an ugly smile.
One of the finest films made and one of the standouts of recent times, "Saltburn" reminds us the price of illusion is steep and reality is the great leveller. Although decadent in it's overall unreality and another anti-rich flick anyone who has mingled with the upper-class will recognize the plight of the privileged unknowing in this barbed take. Think the rich have it too good? Watch and see.
An ugly, middle class closeted homosexual is a top scholar who finds himself a slot in Oxford University. Awkward and out of place amidst his wealthier and better-looking peers he becomes besotted with a handsome aristocrat and strikes a friendship with him. When news arrives of his father's "passing" the pretty boy scion invites him over to his family estate. If he only knew.
A cross between Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and Philippe Besson's "Lie with Me" the film takes one on a panoramic view of plush surroundings and complicated relationships. Solid directing and consistently good acting make this riveting thriller of manipulation and deceit a transfixing one, where evil is not served bluntly but slyly with an ugly smile.
One of the finest films made and one of the standouts of recent times, "Saltburn" reminds us the price of illusion is steep and reality is the great leveller. Although decadent in it's overall unreality and another anti-rich flick anyone who has mingled with the upper-class will recognize the plight of the privileged unknowing in this barbed take. Think the rich have it too good? Watch and see.