Saltburn 2023
Made by
LuckyChap Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Saltburn (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In late 2006, Oliver Quick, a scholarship student at the University of Oxford, struggles to acclimatize to the upper-class environment due to his lack of experience with their customs. He finds an understanding friend in Felix Catton, a wealthy and charismatic student who empathizes with Oliver’s troubled background marked by his parents’ struggles with substance abuse and mental health. After the sudden death of Oliver’s father leaves him heartbroken, Felix offers him solace by inviting him to spend the summer at his family’s grand estate, Saltburn.
At Saltburn, Oliver meets the quirky members of Felix’s family, including his parents Sir James Catton and Lady Elspeth Catton, his sister Venetia, and Elspeth’s friend Pamela. He also encounters Felix’s American cousin Farleigh, with whom he has a prickly past as classmates. As the summer unfolds, Oliver ingratiates himself with Felix’s family, except for Farleigh, and begins to develop an unhealthy obsession with Felix.
In a shocking turn of events, one night Oliver spies on Felix in the bath and indulges in a disturbing act. His behavior spirals further as he initiates sexual advances towards Farleigh, leading to tension among the group. When Felix confronts Oliver about the accusations regarding their activities, Oliver vehemently denies them. The following day, Sir James finds out about Farleigh’s intention to sell some of his valuables, resulting in Farleigh being expelled from Saltburn.
As summer draws to a close, preparations for Oliver’s birthday party are underway. To his dismay, Felix reveals plans to reconnect Oliver with his estranged mother, prompting a panic in Oliver. Upon arriving at his family home in Prescot, Felix discovers the truth about Oliver’s deception—his father is alive, and his parents lead a stable life devoid of abuse. Hurt and betrayed, Felix decides against making Oliver’s truths public but tells him to leave after the party. In a desperate attempt to reconcile, Oliver professes his deep feelings for Felix, only to be met with rejection. Felix urges Oliver to seek help.
Tragedy strikes when Felix is found dead in the hedge maze at Saltburn. Oliver insinuates that Felix’s death is linked to Farleigh’s drug involvement at the party, leading James to cut ties with Farleigh. In his solitude, Oliver mourns Felix and pays a haunting visit to his grave, expressing his grief in a disturbing manner.
Following Felix’s funeral, Lady Elspeth insists that Oliver remain at Saltburn, creating discord as Venetia accuses Oliver of being the architect of her family’s ruin, labeling him harshly. Despite his attempts to mend fences, Venetia ultimately takes her own life in a bathtub. Troubled by the escalating chaos and Elspeth’s attachment to Oliver, James resorts to bribery to ensure Oliver’s departure, which he reluctantly accepts.
Fast forward to 2022, Oliver reads about James’s passing and unexpectedly reunites with Elspeth at a café. Overjoyed, Elspeth encourages him to return with her to Saltburn. As Elspeth falls ill, Oliver reveals his role in orchestrating the tragic unraveling of events at Saltburn. He confesses to having meticulously designed his encounters with both Felix and Elspeth, after which she entrusts all her possessions, including the estate, to him. In a chilling conclusion, Oliver takes his final step by removing Elspeth’s life support, claiming Saltburn and the Catton family fortune for himself, and reveling in his newfound freedom by dancing unabashedly in the mansion.
Timeline
Track the key events of Saltburn (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Oliver's Scholarship at Oxford
In late 2006, Oliver Quick, a scholarship student, begins his journey at the University of Oxford. He struggles to blend into the upper-class environment, feeling out of place due to his unfamiliarity with their customs and traditions.
Friendship with Felix Catton
Amidst his struggles, Oliver finds an ally in Felix Catton, a wealthy and charismatic fellow student. Felix shows empathy towards Oliver's background, which is marked by a tumultuous home life stemming from his parents' issues.
The Death of Oliver's Father
Oliver's world is turned upside down when he receives the devastating news about his father's sudden death. In his grief, he turns to Felix, who offers him an invitation to spend the summer at his family's opulent estate, Saltburn.
Arrival at Saltburn
Upon arriving at Saltburn, Oliver is introduced to the eccentric members of Felix's family, including his parents, Sir James and Lady Elspeth, as well as Felix's sister, Venetia. The atmosphere is initially welcoming, but tensions soon surface, particularly with Felix's American cousin, Farleigh.
Oliver's Obsession Grows
As summer progresses, Oliver develops an unhealthy obsession with Felix, seeking his attention and approval at all costs. His actions, however, become increasingly misguided, creating rifts with Felix's family and particularly with Farleigh.
The Disturbing Incident
In a shocking moment, Oliver crosses a line by spying on Felix while he bathes and indulging in a disturbing act. This incident marks a turning point in Oliver's behavior, propelling him towards more erratic actions.
Confrontation and Accusations
Tension escalates when Felix confronts Oliver about rumors regarding their inappropriate encounters. Oliver vehemently denies any wrongdoing, which only exacerbates the situation and leads to further conflict within the group.
Farleigh's Expulsion
After an altercation regarding Farleigh's intention to sell family valuables, Sir James learns of the situation and expels Farleigh from Saltburn. This expulsion creates a rift in the social dynamics of the household, affecting Oliver's standing.
Oliver's Birthday Party Preparations
As summer winds down, preparations for Oliver's birthday party begin. Felix blindsides Oliver by revealing plans to reconnect him with his estranged mother, sending Oliver into a panic about revealing his true past.
The Truth About Oliver's Family
During a visit to his family home in Prescot, Felix discovers the shocking truth: Oliver's father is alive, and his parents' lives are stable. This revelation causes Felix to feel betrayed by Oliver, who had painted a much darker picture of his family.
Oliver's Heartfelt Confession
In a desperate attempt to salvage their friendship, Oliver confesses his deep feelings for Felix. However, Felix is unable to reciprocate those feelings and advises Oliver to seek help, leading to further turmoil for Oliver.
Felix's Tragic Death
The story takes a dark turn when Felix is found dead in the hedge maze at Saltburn. Oliver implies that Farleigh's drug involvement during the party contributed to Felix's death, leading to a fallout with James Catton.
Aftermath of Felix's Funeral
Following Felix's funeral, Lady Elspeth insists that Oliver stay at Saltburn, causing friction within the family. Venetia blames Oliver for the havoc that has befallen her family, leading to tragic consequences.
Venetia's Collapse
In a tragic turn of events, Venetia succumbs to despair and takes her own life in a bathtub. This event shakes the household further and heightens the conflicts and complications surrounding Oliver's presence at Saltburn.
Oliver's Dark Victory
In a chilling conclusion, Oliver reveals his manipulations to Elspeth before removing her life support. He claims Saltburn and the Catton family fortune for himself, dancing victoriously in the mansion, reveling in his newfound freedom.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Saltburn (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan)
Oliver Quick is a complex character grappling with his identity and social status. As a scholarship student, he feels out of place among the wealthy elites and becomes consumed by his longing for acceptance. His actions are driven by deep-seated insecurities, culminating in devastating consequences.
Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi)
Felix Catton embodies charisma and privilege, drawing Oliver into his world. His understanding nature initially offers solace to Oliver, but he remains unaware of the darkness brewing beneath their friendship. Ultimately, his tragic fate acts as a catalyst for Oliver's downfall.
Sir James Catton (Richard E. Grant)
Sir James Catton is the patriarch of the Catton family, representing traditional wealth and privilege. His protective instincts for his family clash with Oliver's growing influence. His character provides insight into the complexities of familial loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.
Lady Elspeth Catton (Rosamund Pike)
Lady Elspeth is a nurturing presence in the tumultuous environment of Saltburn. Her attachment to Oliver complicates family dynamics, as she navigates loss and manipulation. She becomes a tragic figure, caught between her love for Oliver and the chaos surrounding her family.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Saltburn (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2006, 2022
The events unfold primarily in 2006, a period marked by social contrasts and personal struggles. The story culminates in 2022, reflecting on past tragedies as characters navigate their complex relationships and the repercussions of their actions across different timelines.
Location
Saltburn, Prescot
Saltburn is a grand estate that serves as the backdrop for the summer escapades of Oliver and Felix. Known for its opulence and sprawling gardens, it becomes a place of tension and tragedy. Prescot, a quaint town, gives a glimpse into Oliver's contrasting life, highlighting the disparity between his upbringing and the elite lifestyle of his friends.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Saltburn (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Obsession
The theme of obsession is central to Oliver's character as he develops an unhealthy fixation on Felix. This obsession distorts his perception of reality, leading to manipulative actions that ultimately spiral into tragedy. It highlights the darker aspects of envy and desire within a close-knit social circle.
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Tragedy
Tragedy permeates the narrative, from Oliver's personal losses to the fatal consequences of the group's internal conflicts. The deaths of pivotal characters serve as a stark reminder of the impact of toxic relationships and unresolved issues, emphasizing how quickly joy can turn into despair.
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Deception
Deception plays a crucial role as Oliver fabricates parts of his life to fit into Felix's world. This theme explores the lengths one will go to maintain appearances and the eventual fallout when truths are revealed. It contrasts the characters' public personas with their hidden realities.
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