This was an unexpected movie experience. Boundaries are tested and scenarios seem dangerous, which makes it unforgettable. Saltburn takes the cake in terms crazy behavior by college students. The theme of disconnection leads to an unexpected ride. Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi are both fantastic, but Keoghan’s role is the most daring. The bizarre behavior of Keoghan is the center of Saltburn as are all the wild twists that come with it. The director of Promising Young Woman,Emerald Fennell, strikes again with a thriller filled with shocks and awes. Saltburn is one of the most thought-provoking and daring films of the year.

Saltburn focuses on Oliver Quick (Keoghan), a boy of solitude at Oxford University. His loneliness does not last when he meets Felix Catton (Elordi). Felix and Oliver become close party buddies. They party and drink a lot together, and Oliver feels a tight bond. Felix invites Oliver to his family’s estate at a place called Saltburn and Oliver is introduced to his friend’s wealthy family. Felix’s parents are Sir James and Elspeth Catton (played by Richard E. Grant and Rosamund Pike). They possess an egotistical attitude throughout all of Oliver’s stay. They also have other friends living with them including Poor Dear Pamela (played by Carey Mulligan) and Farleigh Start (played by Archie Madekwe). This is overwhelming for Oliver, but soon he realizes he is getting the attention and love he has always desired from Felix’s family. But does he desire more?

As the days in the film pass, the situation becomes edgy as the partying begins to hit some troubled waters. The storyline uncovers some challenges with dishonesty. Oliver struggles to hide his desires. He has feelings for Felix, but does Felix feel the same connection? Emotions begin to run high, and Oliver’s desire and anger are fueled. Farleigh is also jealous because she doesn’t get as much attention with Oliver around. The Catton’s hospitality poses some risky disadvantages. Fortunately, due to Fennell’s skillful direction, she can setup these dangerous scenarios and conflicts with class in Saltburn.

A little secret to be mindful of when watching the movie is that there is an interesting aspect lurking in the performance of Keoghan. For those who are aware of his ability to play characters with strange personalities, his performance reaches new heights in this film once the dynamics become more questionable. Some clues are to be found in his role in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) and his role in Banshees of Inisherin (2022). His evilness in the first film and shyness in the second film combine for an unexpected twist. The fueling of the fire in the eyes of Keoghan is where the tension boils with undiscovered pressure in Saltburn.

There is a quote in the film, “We’re all cold blooded,” and that sets the tone for some invigorating scenes. The writing in Saltburn causes viewers to make assumptions about the catastrophes that happen. The dynamics are dangerous but also hysterical and cross lines sometimes. Gathering this odd batch of characters at a wealthy estate is a setup which is destined to lead to problems and get crazy. There is no hiding from the troubles that arise in Saltburn as the tensions linger and grow.

This is a film about a close friendship which goes off track due to jealousy. How dangerous can envy be? Saltburn leaves a trail of questions in a host of strange scenarios. However, the film is one of the most stylized dark comedies I have seen all year. Three and a half out of four stars for Saltburn.