Overview of 'Saltburn' (2023)
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"Saltburn," a 2023 psychological thriller directed by Emerald Fennell, has captivated audiences with its provocative exploration of desire, obsession, and class dynamics. As reported by Deadline Hollywood, the film's viral marketing and word-of-mouth propelled it to become one of Amazon Prime's top 10 worldwide film debuts, sparking intense discussions about its complex themes and shocking twists.
The Story of Saltburn: Plot Summary
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The story of "Saltburn" follows Oliver Quick, a scholarship student at Oxford University in 2006, who becomes fixated on his wealthy classmate Felix Catton. Oliver's obsession leads him to fabricate a troubled background, earning Felix's sympathy and an invitation to spend the summer at Saltburn, the Catton family's opulent estate
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. As Oliver integrates himself into the Catton's world, he manipulates family members and observes their private moments, gradually revealing his true intentions. The film takes a dark turn when Felix discovers Oliver's lies and demands he leave, only for Felix to be found dead the next day5
. This event sets off a chain of tragedies within the Catton family, ultimately culminating in Oliver inheriting Saltburn after more than a decade2
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. The narrative explores themes of class, desire, and the lengths one might go to obtain wealth and status, blending elements of psychological thriller with social commentary.5 sources
Saltburn Teaser (Videos)
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What Happened to Felix Catton?
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Felix Catton's death in "Saltburn" is a pivotal moment that sets the dark events of the film in motion. While initially presented as an accidental drug overdose, it is later revealed that Oliver Quick deliberately murdered Felix. During Oliver's birthday party at the Saltburn estate, Felix confronts Oliver about his lies and demands he leave. In response, Oliver poisons a bottle of alcohol with a lethal amount of cocaine and gives it to Felix in the hedge maze.
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Felix drinks from the bottle, unaware of its deadly contents, leading to his death. The Catton family, familiar with Felix's past behavior, assumes his death was accidental and does not investigate further.4
This calculated act marks the beginning of Oliver's sinister plan to infiltrate and ultimately take control of the Saltburn estate, showcasing the depths of his obsession and ruthlessness.5
5 sources
Exploring Oliver Quick's True Intentions
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Oliver Quick's true intentions in "Saltburn" are far more sinister than initially presented. While he appears to be a disadvantaged student seeking friendship, Oliver's actions are revealed to be part of a calculated plan to infiltrate the Catton family's world. Barry Keoghan's character fabricates a troubled background to appeal to Felix's (Jacob Elordi) sympathies, manipulating their encounter at Oxford to gain access to the prestigious Saltburn estate
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. Oliver's obsession with Felix and the Catton lifestyle drives him to extreme measures, including murder, to maintain his position within their social circle. His ultimate goal becomes clear as he systematically eliminates the Catton family members, eventually inheriting the estate and wealth he so desperately coveted4
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. This revelation transforms the narrative from a story of unlikely friendship to a chilling tale of premeditated social climbing and deadly ambition.5 sources
Related
What motivates Oliver to manipulate Felix so intensely
How does Oliver's true identity impact the narrative
What role does class play in the dynamics between Oliver and Felix
How does the movie portray the psychological effects of obsession
What are the consequences of Oliver's actions on the Catton family
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