Ty Watches "Saltburn"

My wife and I sat down and watched "Saltburn" this past weekend. We have seen a bunch of reels on Instagram. We have read the things people have been saying about the movie, while avoiding spoilers. After doing all this research we both decided we had to watch. So we did.

I do not know that I have ever seen a movie this bizarre, and I've seen a bunch of weird movies. I like movies that try something different, something people haven't really seen yet. "Saltburn" takes that and really runs with it. So, my first push to watch this movie came about when I heard that the director also directed "Promising Young Woman". I love that movie. It was one of my favorites. So when a new movie by her was announced, I was intrigued. Then I saw and read all that stuff, so that made me even more in. Again, this is the most bizarre movie I've ever watched. I am very glad that I came into it blind, but holy hell was this a ride. I am going to reveal some things in this blog, but if you haven't seen the movie yet and plan to, stop reading and come back and finish after you watch.

The movie starts out nice and normal. It shows a kid going off to college and trying to make friends. All the while he has his eye on the cool kids. He eventually starts to hang out with them and build relationships. He becomes such good friends with the hot guy, Felix, played by Jacob Elordi, that Felix invites him to stay at their home, Saltburn, for the summer. He agrees and this is where the movie gets truly nuts. Things start to get odd at the halfway point. Ollie, played by Barry Keoghan, has this weird, odd way of interacting with people. He seems shy and coy. He doesn't want to disturb anyone until it is fruitful for him. Felix's sister waits for him one night outside his room. He goes down to her only to turn her away. she does it again and this is the first gross thing that happens. He starts to pleasure her with his fingers and she pushes back, saying it isn't the right time of the month for her. He responds with one of the grossest lines ever muttered, "good thing I'm a vampire". You can use your imagination of what happens next. I had to cover my eyes during this scene. I'm not kink shaming anyone or anything, but that just isn't for me. When Ollie kind of rejects her the next morning, she is mad, but everyone moves on. From there we see Ollie drink bathtub water that Felix has ejaculated in. He also gives hand pleasure to Farley, all the while telling him to "be a good boy". He goes along with the mom and dad, played by Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant, when they act like everything is okay even when horrible things are happening all around them. He drugs people and kills them when he deems fit. He leaves, but comes back and takes over the home. He does cocaine and dances in the nude. He has no remorse. It is devastating and terrifying.

When the movie was done I was flabbergasted. I didn't know if I liked it or hated it. I couldn't figure out what I was watching and why all these things were happening. I was highly impressed by the acting because the portrayals of everyone made them unlikable. But the thing in this movie's favor, I haven't stopped thinking about it for three straight days. I will be doing something and, pop, a scene in the movie will replay in my head and I will think about it and pour over it. I can't seem to shake this movie. I think the writers, director and actors did an amazing job because this is a movie that I will think about a bunch. I want to say, if you do decide to watch this movie, it is crazy. You will see things that will make you uncomfortable. You will squirm. You will cover your eyes. But you will not be able to shake it from your mind. It will stay with you.

So, would I recommend this movie? Yes, if you are prepared to be uncomfortable. But go in with all the aforementioned warnings. "Saltburn" is a crazy, messed up movie and will rock your brain. That can be good or bad, that is up to you. Watch at your own risk. But I do think this is a solid movie. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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