The 5 Performances That Make
No movie this year has left audiences quite as stunned as Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn.
Witty, biting and completely bonkers, Saltburn tells the story of Oliver Quick, who befriends big man on campus Felix Catton while attending Oxford University in the mid-2000s. Felix invites Oliver to stay with him over the summer at his family’s estate, Saltburn, and what happens next has to be seen to be believed.
Now, you’ve seen the memes. You’ve seen the discourse. But Prime Video is inviting you to join the madness as Saltburn is available to stream right now. Already an awards season favourite, this is objectively one of 2023’s must-see films. What makes it so memorable, though, is the performances. A stellar ensemble cast brings this movie to new heights, so let’s break down exactly who you’ll meet wandering the hallowed halls of Saltburn, and the genius actors who play them, before you head to Prime Video to watch the full thing yourself.
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Leading the film is the powerhouse Barry Keoghan, whose performance as the somewhat ‘off’ Oliver Quick will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll warm to him, you’ll pull away, you’ll be at once enamoured and disturbed. You’ll root for him, but you’ll also patiently wait for his fate to catch up with him. Keoghan, who is nominated for ‘Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama’ at the 81st Golden Globes for his performance, works in subtleties. Even in such an extreme environment, where everything feels like some sort of indie sleaze fantasy, he initially grounds the audience as our resident ‘normal’ person.
But it’s what happens when Oliver reveals himself, in every sense, that’ll leave you truly stunned.
Barry Keoghan
as Oliver Quick
Alison Oliver
as Venetia Catton
Now, while Saltburn sports an impressive ensemble (three of the actors listed here have previously been nominated for Oscars), one of its most stellar performances comes from a relative newcomer. In fact, Saltburn is Alison Oliver’s debut feature film performance, and what a way to make an entrance. Playing Felix’s sister, Venetia, Oliver keeps up with the heavyweights in a role that requires her to be fearless but still vulnerable. She has no problem calling anyone out on their crap, but is battling her own insecurities. When she lets her guard down, she’s mesmerising. But it’s when she proves herself to be the most perceptive person at this estate that’ll have your eyes glued to the screen.
Jacob Elordi
as Felix Catton
The internet’s resident dreamboat Jacob Elordi continues his recent run of critically-adored performances as Felix Catton, an eccentric, effortlessly-cool Oxford student who perhaps is a little too naive about what his privilege gets him in life. Yet and still, Australia’s very own Elordi makes Felix super likeable. You genuinely believe he wants the best for those around him, even if he’s annoyed or frustrated, because of the sincerity in which Elordi gives to the role.
As a side note, prepare to see PLENTY of Felix’s tank top/angel wings costumes next Halloween. You heard it here first.
Richard E. Grant
as Sir James Catton
No matter what your reference point is for Richard E. Grant, the iconic actor brings parts of all his best, and most renowned, roles to build the Catton patriarch. He’s clueless and joyful, except when he’s clueless and stern, and following him trying to keep the walls of his property up is so much fun you just don’t want it to end. It’s pretty clear early on he has little to no authority over his children, but Grant makes sure that you know that Catton thinks he has that authority. The role isn’t as flashy as that of his wife or children, but once you see him on screen, you won’t be able to imagine life at Saltburn without Sir Catton there.
Rosamund Pike
as Lady Elspeth Catton
If there’s any performance you’ll walk away from Saltburn thinking about, it’s Rosamund Pike’s. As the aloof, ridiculous, naive and brutal mother of the house, Pike’s turn as Lady Elspeth Catton will have you in side-splitting laughter every time she’s on screen (well, mostly.) Embodying the unattainably rich to a perfect, diamond-encrusted T, every venom-dripped line uttered from her pursed lips is comedy gold. Elspeth’s eyes might trick you into thinking she cares, but really she’s just looking for the next opportunity to talk about herself, or to gossip. It’s yet another banger performance from Pike, who earned a Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Golden Globe nomination for her work. And it’s really not hard to see why.
Descend into the madness of the Cattons yourself by checking out Saltburn on Prime Video now. Start your 30-day free-trial today, and, uh, stay clear of the bathtub.
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