October 4th, 2023

Screening courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios and Aero Theatre sponsored by NEON

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell, renowned for her acclaimed work on Promising Young Woman, weaves a tempting tale that grips her audience with provocative inhibitions, begging the question: when does the pursuit of pleasure shift from epicurean enjoyment to hedonism?

Fennell masterfully directs and intricately crafts the screenplay for Saltburn, showcasing her remarkable talent and vision in this compelling cinematic endeavor. For the first time, audiences experienced its debut at Beyond Fest, held at Aero Theatre, marking its West Coast premiere.

Saltburn follows Oliver Quick, portrayed by the new-in-town leading man Barry Keoghan, who becomes entranced by the opulent lifestyle of his wealthy classmate, Felix Catton, played by the alluring Jacob Elordi.

As Oliver is drawn into Felix's extravagant world, he finds himself befriending Felix and being whisked away to spend the summer at Saltburn, the Catton family's lavish estate. What begins as a glamorous adventure soon reveals darker themes of obsession, privilege, identity, and sexuality, leading to a gripping exploration of desire and the consequences of indulgence.

Emerald Fennell captivates us, turning us into Oliver’s puppets as we helplessly succumb to his enigmatic charm and those enchanting blue puppy eyes, igniting a guilty fascination we can't quite shake. Barry Keoghan delivers the best performance of his career, establishing himself as one of the finest actors of his generation. His performance undoubtedly deserves consideration for a Best Actor Oscar nomination. A natural-born talent, he possesses the uncanny ability to control both character and narrative simultaneously.

In a daring display that many actors would shy away from, Keoghan boldly showcases his nude self dancing to "Murder On The Dance Floor"—a shot that required only 11 takes, leaving us in admiration of his fearless commitment to the craft. Meanwhile, Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike is cunning, ruthless, and hilarious, placing us firmly at the center of her cinematic universe. I can easily see her earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Additionally, Carey Mulligan’s cameo steals the scene as the gentle, sweet goddess that she is.

You see, Saltburn was a concentrated effort from everyone involved to create a theatrical hit. Beautifully shot, with an outstanding score and lively costumes, it perfectly captures the droll humor of the story. 

Beyond Fest was the perfect host for Saltburn, as the sold-out audience knows the festival never disappoints. The debauchery escalates as the theater becomes completely immersed in the film. The adrenaline rush was unlike any theatrical experience I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend seeing it in theaters this November.

After the show, I spoke to several audience members who shared their thoughts: Jean, 55, exclaimed, “I’ve never experienced anything quite like that—talk about twisted!” Hannah, 34, joked, “Saltburn has me calling out of work tomorrow!” Ashley, 23, declared, “If we don’t see more of Barry Keoghan, I’ll riot!” Lastly, Dane, 28, laughed, “Jacob Elordi has me questioning my life choices—why can’t I be that charming?”

Prior to the screening, I avoided the trailer, and it was well worth it. I urge people to go to the theater and fully immerse themselves—dive in blindly. With its provocative themes and stunning visuals, this film not only captivates but also challenges us to consider where pleasure ends, and hedonism begins. As we eagerly anticipate its wider release, Saltburn stands out as a must-see film that promises to spark conversations and leave an indelible mark on the audience. Saltburn is set to be released in theaters on November 17, 2023. Make sure to check local listings for showtimes!

Review Update: I went back to Saltburn at DGA on November 16 for a FYC screening and Q&A

No, I don’t feel guilty either—neither should you.