Emerald Fennell, who previously directed *Promising Young Woman* and *Barbie*, brings us this darkly comedic psychological drama from Amazon. It's a complicated film to assess without giving away key plot points, so those wanting to go in completely blind should skip ahead. The movie centers on Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a scholarship student in the early 2000s who’s trying to fit in at Oxford University. He connects with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a well-liked student, and their friendship deepens as Oliver shares details about his family history. This leads to an invitation for Oliver to spend time at Saltburn, a lavish estate in the English countryside, where he encounters Felix’s unusual and extravagant family: Rosamund Pike as Lady Elspeth Catton (Felix's mother), Richard E. Grant as Sir James Catton (Felix's father), Alison Oliver as Venetia Catton (Felix's sister), and Archie Madekwe as Farleigh Start, Felix’s frustrating cousin. The film boasts strong technical aspects, including cinematography by Linus Sandgren – which deserves recognition for how effectively it reflects the story’s tone – editing by Victoria Boydell, and music composed by Anthony Willis. However, the greatest strength lies in Fennell's writing. The narrative, featuring some explicit scenes and suggesting Oliver might not be as innocent as he appears, unfolds similarly to *Promising Young Woman*, culminating in a shocking finale involving a serial killer and someone who manipulates social classes during the last half-hour. While this conclusion aligns with the protagonist’s behavior and the director/writer's established style, it’s still impactful. I personally found myself appreciating it more than many others seem to have. It seems likely that this film could be in contention for Academy Awards in categories such as screenplay, directing, and acting. It earns a rating of 7.9 out of 10 or a B+.
On September 25, 2026
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