Saltburn

Saltburn reveals that Oliver Quick’s story is darker and more manipulative than it initially appears. Throughout the film, we see Oliver as a troubled outsider who seeks connection and belonging, which leads him to form a close bond with Felix Catton. However, his intentions are far more sinister. Oliver’s obsession with social status and desire to be part of the high society lifestyle drives him to manipulate those around him. His initial friendship with Felix is built on superficial charm, but once Oliver feels rejected or left out, his darker nature emerges. He’s responsible for orchestrating Felix’s death—poisoning his alcohol when Felix tries to push him away—and also for cementing his control by seducing Farleigh and making him complicit in his plans to eliminate obstacles. Oliver’s lies about his parents and background are a strategy to gain sympathy and access to Saltburn, but ultimately, they reveal a deep psychological need to deceive and dominate.

The most shocking revelation at the end is that Oliver has been responsible for the deaths of the Catton family members. As an adult, he reenters Saltburn, now wealthy and in control, and it’s implied that he orchestrated Felix’s death as a way to remove his only rival for domination. His manipulations extend to killing Lady Elspeth—their apparent illness was likely a calculated act—allowing him to finally seize the estate and assume full ownership. The final scenes depict Oliver dancing freely through Saltburn Manor, now confident that he has fully claimed his power, embodying his complete transformation from a shy outsider to a cold-hearted murderer. The film’s ending leaves us with the chilling suspicion that Oliver’s psychopathy has no limits, and he has successfully ingrained himself into the upper class by ruthlessly eliminating anyone who stood in his way.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:01