Emerald Fennell, an exceptionally talented writer and actress, likes to make her audience uncomfortable. She admitted as much at an interview after a recent screening of her latest creation, Saltburn. Emerald Fennell gave us a very arch look and a little smirk as she gazed out from her seat on the stage after the screening. She spoke about her writing process and how she lives with the characters she creates and embroiders details of the story for years before she sits down and releases it all onto the page. This provocatrice knows exactly what she’s doing. She even admitted that at some of her suggestions, despite having a trusting, wonderful working relationship, lead actor Barry Keoghan told her to “f#@& off”.

We wondered, after watching the film, what exactly was so beyond the pale that he refused to do it? What’s left? Because, truly, Emerald Fennell wants us to squirm. 

She succeeded.

The audience groaned out loud, curled up in their seats, covered their faces, and talked back to the screen. It was an experience. It was nothing like I expected. Do I recommend it?

Well….very, very conditionally.

I was very excited to see Saltburn. Billed as a “cross between Brideshead Revisited and The Talented Mr. Ripley”, what’s not to love?

 

 

The acting is absolutely brilliant. Salburn boasts a dazzling ensemble. The cast were immersed in a very specific world and looked like they were having the time of their lives. The dedication to their characters is extraordinary. The comic moments dripping with social satire are priceless. Despite all the twists and turns, reveals and surprises, the cast take us with them on this wild ride without hitting one false note. They are all unflinching in their dedication to telling this story. I marveled at the power of some of the scenes. Scintillating writing and exceptional actors doing what they do make Saltburn riveting. They create a world where under all the glamour, indulgence, and sexy excess one finds a vicious, unsettling ruthlessness. It’s not where you may expect it.

This story takes you to unexpected places. Startling places. Sometimes places where you REALLY did not see it coming and perhaps don’t want to go. Some places where you saw it coming but did not think you were going to witness it going there, Saltburn absolutely went there. Allegiances shift constantly from character to character. It’s never dull. I was captivated.

So why can’t I unequivocally tell you to rush out and see Saltburn?

Gentle reader, I gagged.

…And not in the good, RuPaul’s Drag Race sense of the word.

I literally gagged.

I don’t want to spoil it, but there is a big eww factor and at minimum one scene that can be viewed as rather… disturbing. Many bodily fluids and functions are featured. It was all very intentional. Was it necessary? I understand why these scenes were included, but still, I shuddered. Some will think Saltburn breaks taboos of obsession which can be groundbreaking and exhilarating. Putting something on screen which is shocking in these jaded times is a rare feat. Many, doubtless, will cheer aloud.  

But I gagged.

I closed my eyes a couple of times. A few moments which I saw building to a dreaded climax actually…did… come. Yes, I intended to say that. If you, like me, yell out, “don’t, don’t, NO DO NOT!” just know, Saltburn will do it. And afterwards, you can’t unsee it.

This is why I cannot exhort you to run to the cinema. 

Those who are unflappable and strong of stomach, who read this undeterred and are intrigued, by all means, go see Saltburn. 

Everybody else…. you are not pinning this one on me! You were warned.

For the curious but squeamish, perhaps wait until you can use the fast forward feature.

For those of delicate sensibilities, perhaps give it a miss. 

I know that, despite being “shook”, I cannot forget Emerald Fennell’s sly smirk —or this film.

And, after all, Saltburn does end with a dance number.

 

 

Elyse Ashton, the author, is an actress and Los Angeles Press Club Award winning co-host of The Anglophile Channel’s Dish shows. She gives her opinions very decidedly.