RANDOM Post 1

For this post, I chose to write about the movie Saltburn—a film that embodies the desire for wealth and extravagance. I recently watched it as it was recommended to me by my best friend, Megan. Did she like the movie? Maybe not fully, but as a journalism major, she enjoyed the aesthetics of the film. She hoped I would also watch it so we could discuss it together. As a good friend, I ended up suggesting it during my movie night with another friend last weekend.

If you thought I would be giving an extraordinary review that would make you want to watch the film, you might be wrong. While this was a well-crafted and paced cinema, it was a hard watch, and I had to skip certain graphic scenes. (P.S. I am not the best with revolting scenes in movies, so that could just be me.) After the film, I found out that the unsettling feelings viewers are left with following Saltburn's graphic scenes are the product of a subliminal technique known as "psychological distancing," a tool usually used individually to separate ourselves from people, ideas, or events we don't like. The film was one of those unsettling movies I would only watch once and for all. Warning—if you actually plan on watching the movie, perhaps do not read the rest of my post. I will try my best not to spoil any details.

This film was about a wealthy student at Oxford named Felix inviting his classmate to stay over at his estate in Saltburn during break. Felix is troubled by his classmate Oliver's unfortunate living situation, but a series of horrifying events soon engulf his eccentric family following this invitation. At its core, the movie is about desire and obsession because Oliver seems to be madly in love with Felix throughout the movie. It seemed he would do anything to get Felix's attention. But that desire grows to become dangerous and life-threatening. There is something about Oliver that gives off Joe Goldberg vibes from the show "You." His interactions with each member of Felix's family peel back on their characters, ultimately leading to their downfalls. I will say the movie had major plot twists that I did not see coming. So if you are into shocking endings, this may be for you. If you do end up watching it, please let me know if I am the only one who would never watch it again.