Saltburn

Emerald Fennell’s follow-up to Promising Young Woman, Saltburn certainly confirms that Fennell has quite a bit of talent (and a very keen, pitch-black sense of humour). About a young man who forms an obsessive friendship with a charismatic classmate, this was a really enjoyable film anchored by a couple of great performances from Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan. Keoghan, in particular, gives a really striking performance, and is equal parts charming and off-putting (yes, it’s a variation on the usual quirky weirdo he tends to play, but when you’re that good at something, why stop?). And Emerald Fennell’s direction is great, with a memorable sense of style that (mostly) doesn’t call attention to itself. The film is also very well paced, and generally doesn’t feel long despite running at a fairly lengthy 127 minutes. There is a point, however, where it feels like the movie should probably be wrapping up and doesn’t, and everything after that does drag a bit.

*** out of ****