directed by Emerald Fennell
Let’s start this year with cinematographic fireworks, shall we? Yeah! So, fasten your seat belts, because I’m going to recommend you a film I rated 9/10. If you know me, you’re probably shocked right now because it’s not that often I give a film more than 7/10. What can I say, I’m a picky creature. But this one made the beginning of the year a lovely surprise. So, my dear, I’m taking you to England, where we get to meet Oliver (Barry Keoghan). He’s a scholarship student at the University of Oxford and is struggling with getting on with others. Since it’s a prestigious and, let’s face it, incredibly expensive university, most students come from disgustingly wealthy families. But not Oliver. One day, he spots Felix (Jacob Elordi), a popular guy, and accidentally manages to help him. This act of kindness isn’t forgotten and Felix starts treating Oliver like one of his closest buddies. They get on with each other so well that Oliver gets invited to spend the summer at Felix’s parents’ mansion in Saltburn. At that point of the film I was worried it’s another “Call Me by Your Name”, which, in my personal opinion, was horribly overrated. And I do admit that at the beginning I was expecting another “difficult love between two young men” kind of story. But that was just a trick to distract and lull us all… I really feel like whatever I say about the plot, it’ll ruin your experience. I simply played the film after being recommended to see it. And all I got from the recommending person was “it’s on Amazon Prime, go watch it”. Honestly speaking, couldn’t imagine a better text. I swear, the magic of this production is the surprise you will have in the second half of the film. So please, no matter how much the beginning might disappoint you (not my case, but I’m aware it might), the ending is absolutely worth it. Without any cloth… I mean doubt, without any doubt. But to somehow motivate you to see the film, I can say that it presents a rather classic scenario from a different perspective with the roles turned upside down. Also, the camerawork is fascinating and is a crucial reason why this film idea is so consistent with the form. Another element worth appreciating is music. They managed to remind me so many great songs and they used them in such unexpected moments that I was vibing long after finishing the film. Last, but not least – Barry. Oh Barry. We got to see you in “The Banshees of Inisherin”, where you played a magnificent role for which you haven’t been praised enough. This time, you had to become Oliver and I can just sit in disbelief… I simply cannot believe one can be so talented. What I love about his acting is the fact he can expose the authenticity of his character. And that’s something only few can achieve, even those much older than Barry. So chapeau bas, I’m crossing my fingers for all possible statuettes this year. Anyway, to me this film is an absolute diamond and I couldn’t imagine a better start of the film year. So chop-chop, go see it!
My rating: 9/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 