Saltburn (2023)

Emerald Fennell builds a gorgeous trap in Saltburn and then explains how it works, step by step, in case you missed it. The setup is great: an English estate with endless corridors, a hedge maze, and a family so rich they’ve stopped noticing other people. Rosamund Pike steals the movie as Lady Elspeth, who says the cruelest things in the breeziest voice. Richard E. Grant is lovely as the dad who barely knows what century he’s in. Jacob Elordi makes Felix charming enough that you get why everyone circles him. Barry Keoghan plays Oliver with an unreadable stare. The problem is the last act. After two hours of mood, the movie replays its own clues like it doesn’t trust you. The jabs at rich people are about one joke deep. It made $21 million worldwide and holds a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. A 5.2 because the house and the cast are great and the story is mostly smoke. $634.13 says you get invited to a friend’s family place and count the bedrooms before you unpack.

What works: Rosamund Pike is hilarious as the breezy, cutting Lady Elspeth, and the estate looks stunning in every shot.

What doesn’t: The final act explains its own twist in a recap, and the satire of rich people never digs below the surface.

Who it’s for: Grown-ups who like stylish thrillers about rich families and don’t mind a story that’s more mood than meaning.