As we neared the end of 2023 – a year of film industry strikes, show cancellations and film delays – Saltburn made its mark on the industry in more ways than one.
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring a dazzling cast led by Barry Keoghan and Australia’s own Jacob Elordi, the movie became an instant cult-classic as audiences were equal parts amused, horrified, and disgusted by the part black comedy, part psychological thriller, which brought back the joy of seeing flicks in the cinema.
“It’s wild, gorgeous and fun,” Jacob, who plays the alluring Felix Catton, tells WHO.
“Emerald is a filmmaker through and through,” Jacob says of working with the director. “You know it immediately from when she starts speaking. I just knew, whatever it was, it was something I wanted to go down that road with her on. I’d go down that road with her on anything … [she] has a wicked imagination.”
Emerald, who also wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Promising Young Woman, took inspiration from The Go-Between by L.O Hartley (1953), Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938) and Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder (1945) by Evelyn Waugh to create a twisty and thrilling story about class divides, infatuation and power.
“There were a lot of references and then it kind of unravelled itself as I went through that world, and lived in Chelsea for four weeks before we filmed, and kind of settled into the whole thing,” Jacob says of the many books, movies and songs that inspired the film.
Where to watch Saltburn?
Whether you want to watch the movie for the first time or are planning on a re-watch, you can stream Saltburn in Australia on Prime Video.
What is Saltburn about?
But what is Saltburn actually about? Without giving away any spoilers, the fictional tale follows Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) as he befriends the affluent and popular Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi).
As their friendship develops, a term break spent together at Catton’s family estate, Saltburn, rapidly descends into a horrifying turn of events.
Set in 2006, the nostalgic film is based in Oxford, England, and contains perfectly apt music from the early naughts and a delightfully out-of-style wardrobe that throws Jacob, Barry and their supporting cast (Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, Carey Mulligan) back into an often forgotten era.
With extreme reactions to the film from critics and social media fans alike, we had to find out how Jacob has reacted to the rave reviews.
“I went to a screening of the picture in Brisbane when it first played and it was unbelievable, because everyone was engaged and sort of gasping and yelling at the screen and everything like that. And I haven’t been in a movie like that in a really long time,” he reveals.
On playing Felix, Jacob admits “there’s a kind of relaxed nature to people who don’t have to work for anything, because everything comes to them.” But, he doesn’t mean that negatively.
“It was quite wonderful, because in my life so far I’ve played very stiff characters – and I’m not like that in my real life. I’m quite loose and floppy, so it was nice to be able to play that part of myself, which comes a little easier than standing rigid in a high school hallway.”
How many awards has Saltburn won?
Saltburn has already won Emerald Fennell Filmmaker of the Year at the Mill Valley Film Festival and nominations for original score, best movie and best actor and actress awards across a number of festivals throughout 2023.
Although Barry and Rosamund missed out on taking home wins at the Golden Globe awards, 2024 will also see the cast and crew nominated for Critics Choice Awards and AACTA’s.
Related: Enjoyed Saltburn? Here Are 8 Books to Read
And now Jacob has picked up his own award nomination, too. The nominations for the 2024 BAFTA Rising Star Award have been revealed, Jacob among the contenders. He’s nominated alongside Ayo Edebiri (Bottoms, The Bear), Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), Mia McKenna-Bruce (How To Have Sex) and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me).
“The nominees consist of five actors who have each demonstrated their remarkable talent in film over the past year, having captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike,” BAFTA said.
When the full list of BAFTA nominees is revealed on January 18, it’s likely Barry and Rosamund will be nominated once again.
Stream Saltburn now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
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