After making a splash with her debut feature, "Promising Young Woman," writer-director Emerald Fennell looks to unleash a tsunami with her sophomore effort, a diabolically twisted tale of privilege and desire. Welcome to "Saltburn." 

Barry Keoghan stars as Oliver Quick, a fledgling young student at Oxford University struggling to find where exactly he fits in. Donning an off-brand blazer amidst a crowd of poshly appointed co-eds, at best, he's invisible to his affluent Oxford fellows. At worst, his proletariat pedigree is as conspicuous as a foul odor, wafting around him wherever he goes. But a new world of opportunities opens up when he happens upon a chance friendship with the aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his lavish family estate, Saltburn Castle, where he can experience a life of luxury. But will a solitary summer be enough to quench young Oliver's new thirst?

"Saltburn" is a sumptuous-looking film. Set in a European countryside estate, Fennell's keen eye for color fills the washed-out backdrop of centuries-old brick and mortar, dried-out grasses, and an algae-rich pond. As you wander through the grand halls of the manor, you can't help but be struck by the overwhelming sense of luxury that emanates from every nook and cranny. Oliver, too, seems to be entranced by the priceless art and sculptures that adorn the walls and shelves. He epitomizes the desire for unattainable beauty, gazing longingly at each piece as if lost in thought, often studying Felix with that same look. 

On the other hand, Felix walks the same halls nonchalantly, scarcely acknowledging the invaluable treasures adorning the halls. This, of course, only makes him all the more alluring. Jacob Elordi, cast as Felix for possibly the most obvious reasons ever, embodies this role of Felix perfectly. Felix's parents, Elspeth and Sir James Catton, similarly exude unconscionable wealth with every breath they take. Played exquisitely by Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant, they steal every scene they're in, every line of dialogue more hilariously out of touch than the last. 

Barry Keoghan gives one of the most fearless performances in recent memory. The film, which takes inspiration from "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Brideshead Revisited," tells a gothic tale that follows Oliver on a twisted and depraved journey. Although some darker moments may seem gratuitous, Fennell strategically spaced them to keep the audience engaged and on edge. Fennell masterfully juxtaposes Oliver's innocent appearance and demeanor with his shocking actions, leaving viewers questioning his true motivations. It's an absolutely thrilling watch.

Impossible to digest in one sitting, “Saltburn” is overflowing with literary references and imagery that begs to be examined on rewatch. But even if the thematic elements aren't much deeper than the water in a bathtub drain, it is still a lot of fun to watch. Keoghan's final scene and the film's final shot are sure to have people talking and are truly unforgettable.

— 4.5 / 5 ⭐