Saltburn’s Ending Explained: Why did Oliver Kill Everyone?
If you’re one of the many who found themselves hooked on the psychological drama Saltburn, on Amazon Prime Video, you likely shared in the collective gasps that peppered the storyline. Among the most shocking scenes was the gruesome ending that left viewers questioning the motives of its main character, Oliver Quick.
Many viewers were left with mixed views on how events finally unfolded however one can try to fathom the reasons behind Oliver’s chilling decision to kill everyone in the Catton family.
What’s the Story?
Saltburn introduces us to the unlikely friendship between Oliver Quick, a seemingly impoverished Oxford University student, and Felix Catton, a member of the affluent Catton family. Oliver develops a sort of crush on Felix, or that is what he portrays it to be. The picturesque estate of Saltburn becomes the backdrop for a tale that unfolds like a sinister game of chess, where Oliver’s moves become increasingly unpredictable.
The turning point in the narrative arrives when Felix uncovers the fact that Oliver had been lying to him the whole time. He ultimately tells Oliver to leave after a party that had already been scheduled. Oliver, posing as a struggling soul, had fabricated a troubled background to infiltrate the world of the wealthy Cattons. Felix’s rejection after discovering Oliver’s deceit sets off a chain reaction of betrayal, vengeance, and ultimately, bloodshed.
Felix’s Mysterious Demise
On the night of Oliver’s birthday party, emotions run high as he attempts to salvage his fractured relationship with Felix. However, Felix, still nursing wounds from Oliver’s betrayal, rejects his advances. Oliver knows that their relationship would never be the same. The next morning, the estate is shaken by the discovery of Felix’s lifeless body in the heart of the intricate hedge maze.
As suspicions arise within the Catton family regarding Oliver’s involvement in Felix’s death, the tension escalates. Oliver skillfully manipulates the dynamics, accusing Farleigh, Felix’s cousin, of being under the influence of drugs the night Felix died. This strategic move leads to Farleigh’s expulsion and sets the stage for the family’s tragic end.
Saltburn’s Ending Explained: Oliver Methodically Kills Everyone
The Cattons’ descent into chaos continues with Venetia, Felix’s sister, becoming the next victim of Oliver’s sinister plot. Confronting Oliver about his dubious presence within the family, Venetia is overwhelmed with grief. She’s deeply annoyed by Oliver’s presence and points out that he only knew her brother for six months. The next day, she is found in the bathroom with her wrists slit.
In a cunning display of manipulation, Oliver secures Felix’s mother, Lady Elspeth’s unwitting cooperation over the course of several months. Through a confession engineered during Elspeth’s vulnerable state, Oliver reveals his involvement in Felix and Venetia’s deaths. Lady Elspeth, left in a comatose state, unintentionally hands over her fortune and the keys to Saltburn, solidifying his triumph. In this way, Oliver kills off everyone in the Catton Estate, becoming its sole owner and celebrates by dancing with his clothes off throughout the property.
The film skillfully keeps viewers on the edge of their seats by leaving Oliver’s motives open to interpretation. Was his endgame always to seize control of Saltburn, or did Felix’s rejection push him over the edge? The ambiguity surrounding Oliver’s character adds depth to the narrative, prompting viewers to grapple with conflicting emotions. This also seems to annoy a lot of the viewers as they’re left with no proper answers.
Emerald Fennell’s Insight
Director Emerald Fennell sheds light on the conflicting emotions deliberately evoked in the final scene. Oliver’s naked dance around Saltburn, set to the backdrop of Murder on the Dancefloor, aims to provoke a unique mix of repulsion and an unexpected sense of allegiance from the audience.
Nonetheless, Saltburn concludes with a haunting and gruesome ending that lingers in the minds of its audience. The story challenges our understanding of morality, revenge, and the thin line between repulsion and reluctant empathy. As we dissect Oliver’s dark secrets, the film invites us to explore the complexity of human motives and the unsettling consequences of betrayal and manipulation in the pursuit of power.