Saltburn

Emerald Fennell’s first movie was “Promising Young Woman” which was unique, different and disturbing. She won an Oscar for writing. Her second movie is “Saltburn” which is also unique and disturbing. The first half tells the story of a nerdy Oxford student who longs to be in the popular crowd. He befriends a wealthy and popular student who takes him under his wing. This part of the film is pretty normal. The second half of the movie takes place at the wealthy student’s estate, Saltburn. That is when things start to get dark. The rich boy is played by Jacob Elori and the other by Barry Keoghan, who was so good in “The Banshees of Inisherin” last year. He gives an outstanding performance again. Rosamund Pike plays Elori’s mother and she steals the movie. She is very British, very eccentric and very funny. The tone of the film changes in the second half and has a number of twists. Not as good as “Promising Young Woman”, but worth seeing. Look for Keoghan and Pike to be up for some acting awards.