MOVIE REVIEW: SALTBURN

 

A student is invited to an eccentric classmate's estate for an exciting summer.

Director: Emerald Fennell

Cast: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller

Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, language throughout, some disturbing violent content, and drug use.

Runtime: 2h 7m

Emerald Fennell sophomore feature, Saltburn, is a deliberately paced puzzle box that reveals itself methodically as it attempts to shock and surprise with varying degrees of effect.  Fennell does go for something far more visually striking and impactful here than her first film which gives the proceedings the kind of flair that's hard to ignore. The use of a 1.33:1 aspect ratio adds to the effect by giving the film a voyeuristic look and feel throughout. This fly on the wall approach gives everything a sinister undertone even as the script veers into dark comedy more times than not as the depravity unveils itself.  Its easy to see similarities to The Talented Mr. Ripley in terms of story and setting but there's also the anarchist spirit of Roger Avery's twisted tale of entitlement from The Rules of Attraction.  At the center of it all is a chameleon like performance from Barry Keoghan who runs the gamut of emotions and presence as the film goes along.  Its fascinating turn that allows him to work through subtly before revealing bigger emotional shifts.  Jacob Elordi is a solid counter to Keoghan's more nebulous persona.  Elordi comes across as deceptively earnest and well meaning for the better part of the film's runtime.  Strong supporting turns from Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver and Archie Madekwe give the film the kind of depth that makes the film easier to enjoy even as it moves at a very specific pace.  Pike and Grant in particular make the most of their limited screen time by delivering devilishly fun performances as the parents.  There is plenty to unpack from the film's final act which takes a series of big swings with some working better than others.  There's a solid sense in some of these latter sequences that Fennell is trying to shock the audience which is fine but there's a lesson to be learned about less being more.  Issues aside, Saltburn is a solid follow up to Promising Young Women even if its not as refined or impactful as it should be.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

 

Nothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be -- she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life by night. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.

Director: Emerald Fennell

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, Connie Britton

Release Date: December 25, 2020

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, language throughout, some sexual material and drug use

Runtime: 1 h 53 min

Review:

Promising Young Woman is a wickedly sharp dark comedy/revenge thriller from first time filmmaker Emerald Fennell.  Fennell writes and directs her film with an impressive bit of visual flair.  Certain scenes are framed with such meticulous care that you have to appreciate the talent and craftmanship on display.  Her script is equally impressive with biting dialogue that pops from the opening sequence.  At the center of the whole thing is a career defining performance from Carey Mulligan who delights in playing against type.  Her Cassie is a force of vengeful nature whose laser focused on her task.  Mulligan is clearly enjoying herself in the role but she and the script are savvy enough to open up Cassie and give her some semblance of happiness during the middle of the film.  Fennell and Mulligan lull you into an uncomfortable sense of calm before ripping the rug right from under your feet.  It's one of the most searing gut punch of a finale of the year that's bound to stay with you long after the film ends.  The ending is a bit too tidy for my taste but you can't deny that it's a cathartic release and the indictment of the bro/rape culture especially in our current environment.

A-