we argue about Saltburn for 22 minutes

[@howlouthelodger]

I saw someone say on twitter that Saltburn is getting the reception that Babylon should have gotten

[@Shadowpizzacat]

That’s so interesting I absolutely agree with that

[@shadowprince101]

Babylon was hot garbage. Which is strange because I've enjoyed most of the director's other works

[@cinemasprite]

lol these comparison seem to stem mainly from the fact that Linus Sandgren shot both of them plz leave Babylon out of this

[@brodyahaandthecumguzzlers]

@@cinemasprite you are correct that Linus Sandgren shot both but I think there is far more to be compared than that, for example the way both use sexuality. But besides, films don't have to be 1 to 1 in order to be compared. Two ambitious and highly stylized films with seemingly very different ethos, they can FEEL similar on a spiritual level without both having to be about the exact same thing

[@cinemasprite]

@@brodyahaandthecumguzzlers sure I just don’t LIKE to see them compared because i think their of two very different quality with Babylon actually being a masterpiece imo

[@Jonathan-ug9yu]

I feel like a version of this film with a more restrained ending that didn't show its hand would have been a genuinely great movie

[@knurdyob]

I agree that would be interesting. If the film never acknowledged head on what was happening, despite it being incredibly obvious to the audience, that could've made for a more effective film, both as a drama and as a satire, depending on what the film chose to focus more on

[@gilly_axolotl]

Agreed af

[@Gojeto346]

This movie didn’t have a message to me, it just felt like some art house director was like “imma subvert expectations by making you think the rich are the people who are doing the plotting but it’s actually the main character oooooo” like okay cool after that’s over you’re left with a substance less movie that only has shock factor going for it.

[@issh0]

Rosamund Pike killed it, as always. She always had me chuckling at her attitude

[@NilsFLindberg]

She didn't kill it in Jack Reacher, but that may have been Chris Mcquarries' fault.

[@trinaq]

I definitely would recommend against watching this film with any family members, particularly parents. I made the mistake of watching it with my folks during Christmas break on streaming, and let's just say that things got incredibly awkward between us during the bathtub, grave and vampire scenes.

[@ieatbatteries7]

Weak

[@Nitrodino7875]

@@ieatbatteries7 facts weak family

[@trinaq]

In my opinion, the ending montage depicting Oliver orchestrating meeting Felix and setting up the murders seemed to be unnecessary, considering how subtle the rest of the film was. It might have been better had they left Oliver's involvement ambiguous.

[@obscure.reference]

you forget, it is a stupid movie

[@HarrisonReviews]

I thought it was supposed to be a joke. It was so over the top I found the reveal hilarious

[@langleymneely]

“Heartwarming” is not an adjective I ever expected to hear in relation to this film? Lol

[@earapp4102]

It reminded me of the classic American novel A Separate Peace, thought A Separate Peace lacks the class-based conflict of Saltburn. Both stories deal primarily with obsession, and its an obsession that stems from extreme, and simultaneously experienced, admiration (love) and envy (hate). Oliver is very much like Gene, and Felix is very much like Finny. If you have read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about.

[@stanko00001]

Here's what Saltburn is trying to say:

[@lovesigurd6183]

The thing i like about it was sort of seeing these rich people playing cool, mysterious and above it all that they don't see Ollie for the threat that he is. Kind of a sheep in wolfclothing vs a wolf in sheepsclothing. But yeah the ending really pissed on the rest of the movie.

[@jeremiahlamb3100]

When are we getting Dogs carrying things?

[@juliadandy6019]

"Dogs Carrying Humans" I need it

[@chubchub5681]

As the grave scene began I was cheering "he's gonna fuck the grave, HE'S GONNA FUCK THE GRAVE, FUCK THAT GRAVE! FUCK THAT GRAVE! FUCK THAT GRAVE!" as my wife watched on in horror. Loved the movie.

[@owls9185]

Altough I had the same opinion as Jake after watching the movie, and still do to a certain extend, Nadia's perspective around the yes-men and the family being naive maybe won me over, very insightful. I love you guys' reviews and i always look forward to hearing your thoughts, thanks for sharing :))

[@wheezeee]

I just found this channel and was looking for saltburn review, I'm so damn lucky today 😮

[@shethewriter]

I agree about the second half kind of undermining the seriousness of it

[@Cleron]

Thank you so much for reviewing it guys!

[@UberMenschNowFilms]

People keep getting side tracked by the barely existent class/wealth angle. I think it's a story about obsession and toxic love. Oliver genuinely loves Felix (he's positively down bad). Thing is, Oliver is really mentally unhealthy and willing to lie and scheme to get what he desires. When Felix discovers the truth and Oliver fails to make ammends in the maze, he decides if he can't have Felix, no one can. After Felix is dead, which is fucking crushing to Oliver (see: grave scene), he becomes nihilistic and uses his ability to manipulate to squeeze whatever he can out of Saltburn.

[@nusoul]

I went into this pretty blind earlier tonight, and enjoyed the hell out of it. Didn't feel like a deep film at all really but it was a thrill ride, and at the end it felt like it was playing with dark humor, Con artist story aspects, critiques of the gaudy overblown/cringe popular culture of 2006 (I guess some would view that with nostalgia but a lot of aspects of consumerism in the early 2000s brought us to where we are now with being overly materialistic for silly shit), mixed with a light serial killer horror vibe. It hit in the same way Talk to Me or Glass Onion did I guess. Shocking, funny, subversive, well shot, very distinctive acting, some beautiful score work, etc. I don't know, I love a good thought provoking film that you can chew on for a long while, but this was just a very well made genre infusion film with a lot of style and not much more, and sometimes that's just what I want dammit lol. Def feeling Nadia on this one. Possibly the horniest film I've ever seen though jesus 🤣. Idk it worked for me but I could totally see why you were split with this one.

[@ShirleyTimple]

I was reminded of Bones and All during this film. Both films play with opposing emotions but Bones does it better in my opinion. The love story juxtaposed with the *actual cannibalism* taking place within that love story was both heartbreaking and touching at times. Saltburn plays with that dynamic very haphazardly, relying a bit too much on violating the viewer with acts of attraction grossly slipping into acts of repulsion.

[@l.misses]

Was waiting for this video like Christmas!

[@clairemitch4301]

Same! 🎉

[@maxmclain8572]

I have heard some good analysis on the themes from Nadia and elsewhere online that I didn't pick up in my viewing, but I do ultimately tend to side with Jake on this. Sometimes you watch a movie and just miss some things that really can change your perspective, but I felt like anything I "missed" was due to the movie being so muddled in tone and theme. It felt so concerned with subverting expectations that it could never build on the new reality of the movie after having subverted them. Also one specific thing that bothered me that you didn't mention was how the karaoke scene fit in with the rest of the movie. At first I thought it was an interesting scene for developing Ollie as a character. However, within the next 10 minutes it's revealed that Oliver isn't actually poor, which makes the "you pay my rent" moment feel completely hollow. Sure, there's still the implication that even if he has some money he's just a "guest" to the upper class life, but I don't find that a particularly compelling emotional conflict. In hindsight, the scene seems much more concerned with tricking us about what Oliver's internal emotions are than actually developing them

[@suburbanweekend]

After watching Saltburn I was not sure I liked it or not. I still haven’t decided if this a good movie or not. So, I am excited to watch people argue about it.

[@Gabrielcezar94]

Totally agree with Jake on this one.

[@barbietarbox]

I love her downtown abbey take😂 on the note of satire, I think it kind of becomes one on how the middle class views the upper class, but is made by rich people with no reference to that perspective only selacious speculation 🤭

[@avoiduser]

the messiging of the movie was muddled, because the director comes from money

[@langleymneely]

From 1 pivotal graveyard scene on the film was ruined for me. Until that absurd, “shocking” and juvenile moment I thought Saltburn was a bold, subversive, flawed story that was expertly made with great performances. After the grave scene it devolved into shock nonsense for shock nonsenses sake. Also I don’t think this film had an actual coherent political point of view and just threw that pointless monologue in at the end of the film as if it was some kind revelation? Frankly it felt like it was thrown in because someone thought audiences wouldnt understand what was happening. This is a film that started out with so much nuance and subtext only to end in the most obvious and ham-fisted way.

[@ChickenTuesday]

It felt like the director wanted to make a film about class, but had no idea what they wanted to say

[@Xenocristo]

I understand that making class-war or eat the rich kind of movies is trendy and I've got no problem with that but not all movies should be interpreted with that in mind. Specially if the outcome is "this director says nothing about class" - that looks more like the analyst/critic failing to do their job. The focus lies elsewhere. Also, Oliver is not the devil and Felix is no angel. One is a predator and the other is his prey. Felix's wings aren't a symbol for goodness, but for his arrogance and unawareness of the constraints of social hierarchy: he thinks that contrary to his friends he is not a classist person, that he can lift anyone, that he can save them but it is clearly shown that he uses and discards people as if they were toys (he doesn't even fight for Farleigh!). And I absolutely disagree about Felix being the most likable or moral: I trusted Venitia much more than him, at least she is honest about what she wants and what she feels and she doesn't go around pretending she is unaware of how things really are.

[@Shadowpizzacat]

Omg I’ve been waiting for yall to talk about Saltburn!!!!!!!

[@throdjo1803]

I definitely agree with Jake. Despite a solid cinematography and some truly breathtaking shots, this movie felt so hollow. There are no messages, no meanings, no nothing: it is just a poorly written B-movie that thinks too highly of itself.

[@TimL-nr4hr]

Jake is completely wrong. Of course, Oscar is feeling grief after he killed Felix. I thought Jake liked crime novels. Feel like he'd never read the Parker novels again if he applied the same criteria to those books as he's applying to this movie. And the ending is amazing. If I killed my way into a mansion, I'd be dancing naked around the halls too.

[@122josh]

I think Jake mirrors my problems with the movie more but I agree with Nadia in the sense that the ending wasn't great at all, I watched Promising Young Woman Emerald Fennells first film and that also ends poorly in my opinion it's slightly better than Saltburn but not by much, my positives with Saltburn were the Cinematography I really enjoyed that and I think The actors did pretty well with the material they were given loved Rosamund Pike and Richard. E. Grant they nailed there roles.

[@Husky92223]

For some reason it kinda surprised me that people said it was funny? It wasn't for me, i never laughed or giggled, sure i kinda did smile in some scenes from the cringe cause of how extreme they were but never found the comedy side in it...? It felt like a love story with some social commentary in the first half then it gets grotesque and psychological in the second part and the final act is just sick and twisted

[@hansmack6792]

I think it‘s interesting that you read it as by the end saying „these middle class people are gonna ruin everything“. I feel like the message is deeper and super different than that one. It felt almost liberating to see a middle-class character instead of in a humble way admiring rich people, aggressively absorb them. It felt more honest about the culture of admiration towards rich people, kinda like: ‚motherfuckers, we don‘t wanna be ~like~ you, we wanna ~be~ you in order to possess your riches‘ (i.e. saltburn).

[@hansmack6792]

also it felt affirmative in the sense that you could interpret Oliver‘s actions as revolutionary acts, i.e. that he exploits the rich people and appropiates their habits, again, in order to get the castle.

[@hansmack6792]

sidenote: I think it‘s very interesting to see the act of appropriation directed against the rich (i.e. the oppressor).

[@hansmack6792]

last but not least I feel like you could also read the story as the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) replacing the noblesse as the most powerful and as the wealthiest class in capitalism.

[@hansmack6792]

oh and absolutely last but not least: I love the exploration of the emotional attitude of hassliebe the middle class garners towards/against the upper class.

[@hansmack6792]

To me (sorry, I‘ll stop after that comment) Saltburn kinda felt like a synthesis of „Triangle of Sadness“, „The Menu“ and „The White Lotus“

[@korgaupisc129]

I overall liked the movie, expect for the overexplaining at the end. I agree with Nadia on many points, especially the graveyard scenes. I'm also glad that I'm not the only to have visceral reactions to some of the scenes. That shit was disturbing.

[@janvanbiljon1722]

Enjoyed it but it's hard not to draw a comparison to Talented Mr Ripley.

[@davidw7861]

I haven't seen Saltburn and everything about the plot being described made me convinced they were talking about Talented Mr. Ripley.

[@geogeo3644]

Yes! Man carrying thing please validate my opinion please!

[@leaffinite2001]

Tbh i did not watch this movie but my sister told me about some of the... controversial? Provocative? Scenes. And honestly im not a prude but the movie would have to be pretty widely praised for me to enjoy it and ive been hearing mostly mehs

[@blue---monday]

im w jake on this one. everything nadia said she liked about this movie didnt register at all in my brain, like the movie was completely the opposite to me. its almost like saltburn WANTED / think it was doing what nadia was describing, but in fact fell flat and just... didnt. idk so many things coming out these past years had attempted to comment on class, and this is the worse one ive seen so far. its like the deformed little sibling of bong joon ho's parasite (parasite is world class obv). even the menu is doing it better than saltburn, and im not even crazy abt the menu

[@TheClubOrtiz]

So this is interesting, I really disagree with Jake and here’s why, here are my thoughts on it: Saltburn really is a dark and twisted story that explores themes of class, wealth, and the extremes people go to obtain them. As the plot unfolds, the layers of the story unravel, exposing the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. Through its exploration of class dynamics and the relentless pursuit of wealth, Saltburn emerges as a thought-provoking and immersive tale, challenging the audience to confront the darker facets of ambition and societal expectations. I love how Emerald Fennell uses Oliver Quick and Felix Catton and his family as a personification of rich and poor, conveying the stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished in her narrative. Felix Catton and his family (specifically his mother) embodies the privilege associated with affluence, serving as a living representation of the upper echelons of society. His character is meticulously crafted to showcase the trappings of wealth, from luxurious lifestyles to a sense of entitlement that permeates every action. Oliver Quick emerges as a compelling example of the relentless pursuit of wealth at any cost. Fennell crafts his character with meticulous detail, portraying him as someone unapologetically driven by ambition. Oliver's actions and choices become a chilling reflection of the extremes to which individuals with insatiable desires for wealth are willing to go. Oliver Quick's character arc unfolds as a testament to his unwavering determination, showcasing a willingness to tread morally ambiguous paths and make ethically questionable decisions. His unbridled ambition serves as a powerful commentary on the darker facets of wealth acquisition, highlighting the sacrifices, compromises, and ethical lapses that can accompany an obsession with material success. Through Oliver, Fennell prompts the audience to scrutinize the moral compass of those who prioritize wealth above all else, compelling viewers to question the ethical boundaries that individuals like him are willing to transgress in their pursuit of financial prosperity. In doing so, Fennell elevates Oliver Quick beyond a mere character, transforming him into a thought-provoking embodiment of the complex relationship between ambition, morality, and the unrelenting quest for affluence. By weaving these characters into the fabric of her narrative, Fennell enriches her storytelling with a nuanced exploration of class dynamics, prompting viewers to confront the broader socio-economic issues they represent. Barry Keoghan’s performance is absolutely genius and one of my personal favorites of 2023. showcasing his genius in a character's profound transformation from a shy, nerdy kid to a chillingly vindictive figure. Keoghan's cold and calculated demeanor, coupled with intentional choices, creates a suspenseful and authentic portrayal that solidifies his status as a masterful actor. Jacob Elordi is at the top of his game this year, his on-screen charisma breathes life into the character of the arrogant rich boy, captivating audiences with a nuanced and compelling delivery. Elordi's ability to infuse depth into his role adds layers to the character, making it a standout portrayal in his repertoire. This performance stands as a testament to Elordi's versatility and marks a defining moment in his career as he masterfully navigates the complexities of the role. The third act especially is when performances in the film are at their peak. Everyone absolutely SHINED and is given so much, especially Rosamund Pike and Allison Oliver. Allison delivers a monologue in her final scene and instantly makes the movie even better. Pike navigates the intricacies of the role with finesse. Her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength adds a profound dimension to the character, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Pike's command of her craft is evident in every scene.

[@ianwathuku1870]

I agree with Nadia's opinions on the movie but she comes off as Noisey. It's like she's wants to defeat Jake on an argument

[@helloallhumans2595]

I watched this movie at a new years eve party, which aside from watching it with a bunch of gay people thirsting after Barry Keeoghan being very funny I do think watching it with friends enhanced the more shocking moments than I would have watching it alone because of seeing everyones reactions As for myself I was kind of into the movie up until the first reveal when it turns out he lied about his family situation, wasn't really a fan of that twist and I also feel you could see him orchestrating everything coming a mile away. The movie had a lot of good style but didn't really have the substance to back it up IMO.

[@Kohanman]

Thought it was gonna be edgy queer btitish classbromance but subverts it into this darkly comic horror psycho genius! nah way jake 4/10?! tapped opinion bro this shit plus babylon and godzilla minus one prob my top 3 major studio movies last year. jake missed on this one, he gotta rewatch it in a couple years with an always sunny/Seinfeld "everyone is a shit and i dont care whatevr happens to them" black comedy mindset. double featuee some skins and downton abbey to get warmed up🤣

[@UberMenschNowFilms]

I honestly would have loved it if Saltburn was an edgy queer British classbromance, but I still loved it for what it is.

[@petalchild]

I think Jake makes fair points but I still really enjoyed it lol

[@Slinkylinky179]

I think i liked this less than either of you. I dont think ive ever seen another movie that completely destroyed any good will i had towards it so deliberately over its runtime. I really enjoyed the beginning, but act 2 dragged, the shocking scenes were reptitive and not really that shocking, and the twist (which is how i read it) felt like a Saw sequel twist montage. I didnt laugh much and the cinematography looked good but very superficially so. Looked like it was designed for screenshots on twitter. The "satire" was also very shallow and confused.

[@videoslv4626]

First!

[@Aperki2010]

Beautifully shot, well acted vapid nonsense. Apparently the grave scene was improvised. You can't put a scene like that in a film on a whim, if you do that there better be some thought or meaning behind it. There wasn't. Sums up the whole film for me. Wanky.

[@knurdyob]

A good mental exercise to test if this film was actually about something is to imagine it exactly as it is, except with a common aspect ratio, instead of 4:3. All of a sudden, it becomes a lot more apparent it either didn't know what it wanted to be or it kind of failed in communicating what is was going for. To me the surface of the film implies that it wants to be taken seriously on some level and is trying to communicate something, but underneath the beautiful cinematography and good acting, there's just nothing there. Too artsy and serious to be a funny satire like American Psycho, but too over the top and basic to be an effective layered drama. In the end it's far from a bad film in my opinion, but I get the feeling it's not nearly as clever as it maybe thinks it is.

[@JerekBilbar]

Saltburn is incredible, whichever of you liked it is my friend and whoever disliked it is my enemy

[@patrickweller5254]

Really disliked this movie. It was really shallow and just wanted to get shocks out of people.

[@manofocean]

jake echoed a lot of my thoughts

[@Zombiezay]

This movie is not good enough to have this much coverage

[@cjones4521]

3/10 imo

[@GareBearSweetness]

Godamshitassmovie

[@uphillracer]

The further this film is in my rearviewmirror, the more I hate it

[@srely3786]

Yeah, could not stomach this movie at all.