‘Masterpiece’ mystery thriller unsettled viewers | Films | Entertainment
BBC iPlayer has released a mystery thriller that’s been leaving viewers both mesmerised and unsettled. Lauded for its beautiful visuals and creepy tension, this film builds a world that feels both glamorous and disturbingly bizarre.
Beneath its polished surface, the story explores obsession, privilege, and the dark side of desire. Yet it’s one strange, shocking scene that left audiences questioning what they just saw. That film that caused all the buzz? Saltburn (2023).
Saltburn premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023 and hit UK cinemas on November 17. The film then premiered on Prime Video on December 22, sparking controversy on social media. It is now free to watch on BBC iPlayer.
What is the plot?
Starting at Oxford University, socially isolated student Oliver Quick struggles to find his place. This is until he meets a magnetic aristocratic classmate, Felix Catton.
Drawn into the world of wealth, confidence, and privilege, Oliver eagerly accepts an invitation to spend the summer at Saltburn, Felix’s eccentric family estate. What begins as an enticing escape into luxury and belonging slowly unravels into a dark, seductive story of class, desire, and obsession.
Suddenly, deaths occur, lies are exposed, and relationships are broken with an end that is guaranteed to shock and unsettle you. Spoiler alert: the bathtub scene might disturb you so much that you may want to switch off the television.
Why you should watch Saltburn
Saltburn currently has an impressive seven stars on IMDb (International Movie Database) and a respectable 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes. A top critic on the fruit rating site, Rua Fay from Cinemasters, said: “Full of deception, plot twists, great music, and some of the best production design I have ever witnessed on the big screen.”
Anna Hoang from Boston Hassle commented: “Saltburn is indeed glorious and cold, and when the sun finally shines into the dark interior of the wickedness, I’m not sure if it’s something I wish to remember or forget.”
Another top critic, Jessica Baxter, shared: “A carefully-constructed masterpiece.” An audience reviewer added: “Love this movie. It has a sinister and creepy vibe, and the ending just blew my mind. I highly recommend it to people who like psychological thrillers.”
Speaking on “that bathtub scene”, a fan on Reddit commented: “I can shed a perspective on this. I don’t necessarily want to see it, but I immensely appreciate the daring to put these things on screen, along with the intention and artfulness with which some of them approach it.
“When it’s done well, it’s amazing to see these uncomfortable human elements displayed in film, and in major chain theatres no less. It’s a triumph over how restricted movies used to be in what they could or couldn’t show.”
Another said: “I couldn’t watch this bit. It was grim. The sounds were enough to make me sick. And I’ve seen some heavy horror s***.”
Saltburn runs for two hours and two minutes. It is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for free for the next 22 days.
