Saltburn is a film that has sparked a wide range of reactions. Some love its sharp critique of the ultra-wealthy, while others find its dark twists unsettling. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the movie stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick, a character who becomes deeply obsessed with wealth, power, and the allure of the Catton family. As Saltburn unravels, it leaves viewers with burning questions about Oliver’s fate—and whether his story might continue.
So, does the ending of Saltburn plot give us hope for more of Oliver Quick? Let’s dive into the twisted world of the Catton estate and explore what might come next.
Contents
- The Obsession Begins: Oliver Quick and Felix Catton
- Key Elements of Oliver’s Obsession:
- The Dark Twists at Saltburn Plot: Oliver’s Deceit Unfolds
- Behind the Facade:
- Vertical Table: Oliver’s Lies vs. Reality
- The Climax: What Happened at Saltburn?
- Eat the Rich: Oliver’s Twisted Motives
- Is There Room for a Saltburn 2 Plot?
- Key Questions:
- What Emerald Fennell Says About Oliver’s Future
- Conclusion
The Obsession Begins: Oliver Quick and Felix Catton
The movie begins with Oliver, a seemingly timid and underprivileged student, attending Oxford University in 2006. There, he meets Felix Catton (played by Jacob Elordi), a charismatic and wealthy classmate. Felix’s charm and effortless popularity quickly captivate Oliver, sparking a deep obsession.
Key Elements of Oliver’s Obsession:
- Felix’s Wealth: The Cattons represent the “old money” elite, a lifestyle Oliver envies.
- Desire for Acceptance: Oliver longs to be part of Felix’s world, even if it means deceit.
- Obsessive Actions: From spying on Felix to manipulating his family, Oliver does whatever it takes to get closer.
Oliver’s Lies: Early in the film, Oliver paints a picture of himself as poor, claiming to be on scholarship and emotionally scarred by his father’s overdose. These lies, however, will later unravel, revealing just how far Oliver is willing to go to infiltrate the Cattons’ privileged life.
The Dark Twists at Saltburn Plot: Oliver’s Deceit Unfolds
As the film progresses, Oliver’s fixation on Felix and the Cattons spirals out of control. Felix, charmed but suspicious, invites Oliver to his family’s opulent estate, Saltburn. This is where things take a darker turn.
Behind the Facade:
- Peeking Behind Doors: Oliver’s voyeuristic tendencies emerge as he spies on the Cattons, learning their secrets.
- Manipulation of Family Dynamics: He begins preying on Felix’s sister, Venetia, and undermining their friend Farleigh.
- Felix’s Growing Suspicion: Felix starts to question Oliver’s intentions, but by then, Oliver is already deeply embedded in the family’s life.
The shocking twist comes during Oliver’s birthday party at Saltburn. It is revealed that Oliver has been lying about his background the entire time. He isn’t poor; he’s from a stable, middle-class family that he has intentionally distanced himself from. Felix, determined to confront Oliver, brings him back to his hometown, only to discover that Oliver’s tragic backstory is all a fabrication.
Vertical Table: Oliver’s Lies vs. Reality
| Oliver’s Claim | The Truth |
|---|---|
| Poor scholarship student | Middle-class background with a loving family |
| Father died from an overdose | Father is alive, no overdose |
| Distanced from his family | His family cares, just want him to call |
The Climax: What Happened at Saltburn?
The turning point comes when Felix confronts Oliver with the truth, bringing him back to Saltburn. The Catton family is still unaware of the full extent of Oliver’s deceit, but Felix is onto him. Then, in a shocking moment during Oliver’s birthday party, Felix is found dead.
From this point on, the Catton family begins to crumble, with each member meeting their own tragic fate. Oliver, driven by his obsession with power and wealth, seems to be at the center of it all. He believed he deserved everything the Cattons had—wealth, status, and privilege.
Eat the Rich: Oliver’s Twisted Motives
At its core, Saltburn explores the dark side of entitlement and the lengths one will go to to achieve a life they believe they deserve. Oliver’s actions reflect the saying “Eat the rich,” though in his case, it’s more about devouring the life of the rich for himself.
Key Moments in the Film:
- Felix’s Grave: Oliver’s twisted form of affection is demonstrated by his disturbing actions at Felix’s grave.
- Facing Elsbeth Catton: The movie ends with Oliver facing Felix’s mother, Elsbeth, revealing how deeply he craves what the Cattons have—an insatiable hunger for their life.
Is There Room for a Saltburn 2 Plot?
The ending of Saltburn has left many fans with lingering questions. After all the destruction Oliver caused, what happens next?
Key Questions:
- Is Oliver Truly Happy?: After orchestrating the downfall of the Cattons, is Oliver satisfied with what he has done? Can he live with the consequences?
- Will Someone Seek Revenge?: Farleigh is still alive, and so is Duncan, the family’s butler. Both know Oliver’s secrets and could return to confront him.
- Can Oliver Really Escape?: Duncan’s knowing glance at the final funeral suggests that Oliver didn’t cover his tracks well. Could Oliver’s seemingly perfect victory unravel in a sequel?
What Emerald Fennell Says About Oliver’s Future
In an interview with Time, director Emerald Fennell hinted at the ambiguous nature of Oliver’s future. According to Fennell:
- Farleigh and Duncan Know: Oliver’s victory is far from complete. Duncan’s final look at him signals that Oliver might not be as safe as he thinks.
- Pyrrhic Victory: Even with the Cattons mostly gone, Oliver hasn’t truly won. “Whether it means that he lives there alone for the rest of his life or not, he didn’t get what he wanted,” says Fennell.
Does this mean we could see a Saltburn 2? While Fennell hasn’t confirmed anything, there’s clearly room to explore Oliver’s story further, especially with loose ends like Farleigh and Duncan.
Conclusion
Saltburn plot leaves us with an unsettling question: How far will Oliver Quick go to maintain his stolen life? While the film wraps up in a deliciously dark way, it’s clear that Oliver’s story might not be over. With possible threats lingering and unresolved questions about his happiness, Saltburn 2 could delve deeper into the consequences of Oliver’s actions.
For now, fans are left to speculate. Whether or not we’ll get another chapter in this twisted tale remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—Oliver Quick has left a lasting impression.
If you loved the complexities of Saltburn, keep an eye out for any potential news of a sequel. Oliver’s story might not be over just yet.
Click here to learn more.
Chandler is an avid automobile enthusiast who is passionate about all things on wheels. From the latest car models to classic vintage rides, I love exploring the automotive world’s intricate details and engineering marvels. With years of experience in test-driving, reviewing, and analyzing cars, I provide readers with comprehensive insights and honest opinions.