Barry Keoghan is finally stepping away from the role of sidekick, and into the limelight as a leading man in Emerald Fennell's much anticipated second stint at directing (after 2020's divisive thriller, Promising Young Woman).
Fennell's sophomore film, entitled Saltburn, is another thriller, this time revolving around themes of obsession – and likened to The Talented Mr Ripley. What, you might ask, is Mr Keoghan obsessed by? That would be Jacob Elordi, or more accurately, the wealthy college student he portrays. Can't say we blame him.
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What is the plot of Saltburn about?
From what details we have, the film has been put forth as an explicit, R-rated 'vampire movie', with lots of nudity.
Keoghan plays Oliver Quick a working class student at Oxford University who falls in with a wealthy, aristocratic crowd at university. Besotted by one in particular, Felix Catton (played by Elordi), Quick finds himself invited to Catton's family estate for a wild and unforgettable summer.
There's The Talented Mr Ripley comparison given the study of class within, and since Saltburn is set at a college among an aristocratic cohort, we're sensing similarities with The Secret History also. The film takes its name from the estate it's set in.
Who has been cast in Saltburn?
As mentioned, Barry Keoghan will lead the project, moving out of the box of bridesmaid to bride. Starring alongside him is Jacob Elordi, hot off the heels of his press tour for Sofia Coppola's Priscilla.
We'll also see Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike step on board in a supporting role, and Promising Young Woman star Carey Mulligan.
In terms of production, LuckyChap Entertainment, the company Margot Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley own, has been tapped to produce alongside Fennell and Josey McNamara.
Is there a release date yet?
Saltburn just premiered in August at the Telluride Film Festival, and is set to hit theatres in the US on 24 November 2023. A wider cinematic release will roll out from 1 December 2023. However, you'll want to get tickets to SXSW Sydney for its Australian debut.
If you happen to be in London at the London Film Festival this October, you'll also be able to catch the film at its international premiere on 4 October.
Watch the first teaser trailer
Check out the film's first teaser, which was released earlier today, below.
Image: Twitter
