Saltburn boldly contemplates familiar themes of sexuality, privilege, status, obsession, power, possession, loneliness, manipulation, sanity, acceptance, and control through dark satire. Although the fruition of these ideas is arguably interrupted by an overly sensational conclusion, the ride is undeniably captivating. There's clever dialogue, dry humor, dynamic relationships, setup/payoff, twists, and social commentary. The character development is fairly simple, but the acting maximizes the roles through layers, intensity, chemistry, tension, range, vulnerability, body language, menace, shock, physicality, and fearlessness. Overall, Saltburn constantly swings for the fences.
Technically, Saltburn pursues a provocative tone and aesthetic. Its flashy imagery utilizes framing, aspect ratios, lighting, composition, oners, angles, depth, and texture. The production design heightens meaning, characterization, and plot. Its editing loses steam but adds potent montages, inserts, intercuts, pace shifts, and timing. The music is classical, pulsing, trans-diegetic, and era-relevant. Its sound uses voiceovers, ambiance, smash cuts, quiet, split cuts, emphasis, and ringing. The effects provide minor blood, makeup, and stunts. Its cast is up-and-coming, perfectly fitting, underrated, and talented. Ultimately, Saltburn is intelligent, artful, proactive, and successful.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
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