A Disturbing Surprise
As the Christmas season approached in 2023, many highly anticipated family films vied for the top spot. With a plethora of contenders from the upcoming awards season and conveniently timed online streaming releases, the choices seemed endless. From Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Willy Wonka to a nostalgic revisit of Barbie, there were numerous options to satisfy all ages. Even the thought-provoking film Oppenheimer seemed like a viable choice, allowing for convenient toilet breaks and volume control for concerned dads. Yet, it was a late entry from Emerald Fennell that took everyone by surprise and claimed the coveted title of the top film for festive family viewings.
A Deceptive Trail
‘Saltburn,’ with its seemingly permissive age rating of 15 and a slightly misleading trailer, managed to lure families into a false sense of security. This film quickly rose to the top of Amazon Prime’s video list, surpassing even the impressive lineup of Christmas classics. Families settled in, expecting a blend of ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ and ‘Skins’ or perhaps a tamer and more intellectual experience like ‘The Remains of the Day.’ Little did they know that they were in for something entirely different.
An Outrageous Rollercoaster
‘Saltburn’ stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick, a lonely Oxford student seeking refuge from his troubled home life at the country estate of sexy, wealthy Felix (Jacob Elordi). The film has garnered mixed reviews and sparked debates about its portrayal of the upper class. However, it is the outrageous and visceral moments that truly grab attention. Unexpected scenes involving grotesque acts, desecrated graves, and shocking visual imagery take viewers on a disturbing journey. From Keoghan guzzling semen from a bathtub drain to a Sophie Ellis Bextor needle drop that leaves audiences reeling, ‘Saltburn’ delivers a unique viewing experience.
A Social Media Phenomenon
The impact of ‘Saltburn’ extends beyond the living room. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter have been flooded with videos of young family members capturing the horror and disgust of their relatives as they watch the film. It has become a sort of ultra-specialized version of the popular show “Gogglebox.” The reactions range from shock to outrage, with some family members even banishing their loved ones from the house as punishment for subjecting them to such a distressing experience.
Unifying Through the Unsettling
Oddly enough, there is something that resonates with audiences about these disturbing films infiltrating the Christmas family viewing tradition. ‘Saltburn’ follows in the footsteps of other unsettling movies that have captivated audiences during the holiday season. Last year, ‘The Menu’ shocked viewers with its depiction of finger amputation, suicide, and the burning of human s’mores. Films like ‘Uncut Gems’ in 2019 and ‘Nightcrawler’ in 2014 also held a strange allure during festive viewing. It seems that a dose of disgust and discomfort can provide a shared experience, a bonding through mutual suffering. This may explain the unexpected success of ‘Saltburn’ as families find themselves discussing and reminiscing about their unique Christmas viewing experience.
A Memorable Affair
Regardless of the reasons behind its success, ‘Saltburn’ will forever be remembered as the film that the entire family endured during Christmas 2023. Love it or hate it, this sadistic flick has left an indelible mark on the holiday season, ensuring that it will be a topic of conversation for years to come.