15 Best Saltburn Quotes

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for SaltburnWritten and directed by Emerald Fennell, Salt burn is a wickedly sharp black comedy, boasting one of the wittiest scripts of 2023 and providing plenty of delightful quotes for audiences to enjoy. A play on names like Evelyn Waugh Brideshead RevisitedIn addition to being a satire on England’s relationship with class, the film is full of colorful characters who deliver killer lines. As such, many of the film’s best quotes are not only hilarious, but also help illuminate the rest of the action and themes.

Salt burn stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick, an Oxford University student who is attracted to the charismatic and aristocratic Felix Catton. After revealing his difficult family circumstances, Oliver is invited by Felix to stay at his family’s titular estate in Saltburn. However, it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, unleashing a riotous story of lust, love and violence. Filling in the background are members of Felix’s eccentric family, who not only help shape the plot but also provide some of the Salt burnthe best quotes, from the subtly revealing to the funny and entertaining.

15

“I wasn’t in love with him…”

Oliver Quick

Oliver’s complicated relationship with Felix is ​​a driving force in Salt burn. At times, he seems simultaneously infatuated, revolted, and in love with him – a dynamic that leads to several of the Salt burnmost shocking moments. Oliver’s opening monologue, in which he describes several contradictory aspects of his relationship, is therefore crucial to understanding his behavior throughout the rest of the film.

Not only does it establish Oliver as a potentially unreliable narratorbut establishes that Salt burn In itself it is a film full of deceit and dishonesty. It may be less memorable than other quotes, but it offers excellent insight into the film’s themes. It’s also a fascinating monologue to look back on when the film ends and all the secrets are revealed. Suddenly, Oliver’s words take on a new context and his opinions towards Felix become a little clearer.

14

“Ask me a sum.”

Michael Gavey

Oliver’s outsider status at Oxford is established from the start. One of the funniest ways the film does this is by juxtaposing him with the socially inept and often combustible Michael Gavey. A math prodigy, Gavey tries to bond with Oliver by showing off his numerical ability – challenging him to “ONEask me an amount.” This memorably turns into a shouting match in front of the entire college, with Gavey shouting at Oliver: “ONEask me the fucking sum then!

May not be the most enlightening Salt burn quote, but Gavey’s outburst is shocking and hilarious in equal measure. It also talks about one of the interesting themes of the film. Although there are aspects Salt burn which feels like one of those “eat the rich” movies that have become popular, it also comments on people outside of high society who, while not as spoiled and stuck up, are far from perfect.

13

“Ah, but, darling, you’re kind to everyone. You can’t be trusted.”

Elspeth Catton

When Oliver arrives at Saltburn, he is greeted as a welcome guest, but he is also seen as a wounded animal, with Elspeth in particular looking at him with fascination rather than another human being. Her first scene is a perfect testament to her personality, which can be kind and warm on the outside, with an underlying coldness that she isn’t even aware of.

When looking at Oliver for the first time, she is immediately taken by his eyes and compliments him on them. Felix points out that he already told his mother that Oliver wasn’t ugly, but Elspeth responds by suggesting that Felix can’t be trusted because he’s always kind to everyone. It’s a hilariously subtle line that shows Elspeth doesn’t see the value in being nice to everyone and is actually irritated by the idea.

12

“Hi, grandma!”

Felix Catton

Oliver’s arrival in Saltburn is a moment of awe for both him and the audience. The history, size and splendor of the property are inspiring from an outside perspective and clearly captivate Oliver from the start. However, the film hilariously contrasts this with the ostensibly casual attitude demonstrated by Felix when he gives his guest a grand tour. Pointing out a succession of “hideous“paintings by the Dutch painter Vermeer, he then waves his hand at some portraits of”rely dead” before finally mentioning the ghost of his grandmother who inhabits one of the rooms.

Greeting her with a supplicant”Hello, grandma!“instantly established Saltburn as a home unlike any other in the funniest way possible. It’s a quirky little moment that helps establish the long and storied history the family has had on this land. It makes what becomes of the property in the end.

11

“We’re about to lose our minds.”

Venetia Catton

Felix’s younger sister, Venetia, is secretly one of the most observant and prescient characters in the film. This is typified by his observations about the upcoming full moon. Done before full extension Salt burnHer madness becomes clear, her prediction that “We’re all about to lose our minds“is not only great foreshadowing, but it also alerts the viewer to the fact that this house and these characters are a potentially explosive combination. It may seem off-the-cuff, but this comment sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Truly, Salt burn shifts to some wild areas as Venetia’s words certainly ring true in retrospect. However, the phrase also speaks to the idea that few characters in the film are blameless. The audience’s allegiance or tolerance towards certain characters can change throughout the film and, at various times, it appears that each of them “loses their mind”.

10

“Lots of people get lost in Saltburn.”

Duncan

Another incredibly insightful comment is made by valet Duncan, both as an observation and a warning. Said to Oliver as he examined some artifacts from the house’s collection, the comment suggests that Duncan is very aware of the intoxicating effect that the house and the Cattons’ lifestyle could affect anyone who is not yet vaccinated. Considering what was later revealed about Oliver’s plan to murder the house’s inhabitants and claim Saltburn for his own, these words only become more meaningful as the film progresses.

It’s also interesting that Duncan is the one delivering this line. Although most of the estate likes Oliver from the start, Duncan seems to immediately despise the newcomer and remains so throughout his stay. This opening line could be interpreted as Duncan seeing what everyone else can’t and suggesting that Oliver doesn’t belong.

9

“They keep getting lost in the maze.”

Duncan

Salt burn It has moments of hilarity and laughter, as well as moments of some truly disturbing dark scenes. However, it’s also able to fuse the two tones together in some memorable dark comedy moments. After the climactic party, It is discovered that Felix died of an apparent overdose in the middle of the property’s enormous labyrinth.. The family tries to carry on as normal after the tragedy, sitting down to eat lunch.

It’s already a dark but absurd scene, as everyone takes their own approach to dealing with loss. The false reality the family is trying to maintain is momentarily shattered in hilarious fashion when Duncan interrupts their meal to inform them that the police are having trouble removing the body as they get lost in the maze. Even with the shock of Félix’s death, it’s hard not to laugh at this moment.

8

“It couldn’t be about me. I never wanted to know anything.”

Elspeth Catton

Elspeth Catton, Felix’s glorious mother, is probably the funniest character in the film. Equal parts catty, vulnerable, dry and pompous, she embodies the casual privilege of the Cattons, telling extraordinary anecdotes with a triviality that only makes them more impactful. His comments on Pulp’s song “Common People” are a perfect example.

Discussing the rumor that she was the true inspiration for Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics about a young woman who “He came from Greece and had a thirst for knowledge,”Elspeth coquettishly explains how it couldn’t have been about her as she is”I never wanted to know anything“despite her connection to the band. The mere suggestion that she could have inspired one of the greatest indie rock songs of all time instantly reveals how significant a figure Elspeth is, with her blasé attitude towards that status providing a witty take on her character.

7

“So you’re a Norman No-mate too, Oliver Quick?”

Michael Gavey

The social hierarchy as explored in Salt burn It’s very insightful. When Oliver arrives at university, Michael is the only one to welcome him as a potential friend. When Michael points out that, like him, Oliver has no friendsOliver is confused when he assumes that all new students would be in the same situation. It’s a moment to show how new Oliver is in this world that he doesn’t even realize he’s a stranger.

However, this can also be seen as a teaching moment for Oliver. Understanding that more privileged kids have their own established social circles, Oliver sees that he is expected to become friends with people like Michael. It seems that Oliver makes the decision in that moment to avoid such a social fate and find his way into a more prestigious inner circle.

6

“Ah, it couldn’t have been easy for Venetia. With you being her mother.”

Oliver Quick

When Oliver first arrives Salt burnhe looks out of place and is seen as an oddity. However, any sense of intimidation disappears as it becomes clear that Oliver knows how to please the various members of the family. In Elspeth’s case, Oliver plays on her vanity and her desire to be envied and maintain her youth. When Oliver suggests that Venitia had a difficult childhood with Elspeth as her mother, she asks why that would be and Oliver responds: “Because you are so beautiful.”

It’s a moment that shows Oliver’s boldness, but also his astuteness in recognizing the importance of connecting with Elspeth. Although it is Felix with whom he first forms a connection, Elspeth proves to be the most important pawn in Oliver’s plan as she is the one who truly sees him as part of the family in the end, failing to recognize the monster as the rest of her family has come to know him.

5

“Aren’t you going?”

James Catton

Although Oliver’s lies about his own family life destroy the image he had for much of the film, it is still possible to see him as a sympathetic character who simply got carried away by the heady life of luxury and wealth. However, after Felix’s death, the audience and other characters begin to see a more sinister side to Oliver and the control he has over the Cattons.

Although the family patriarch, James Catton, is somewhat aloof and distracted throughout much of the film, after losing two sons he tries to regain some control. He meets with Oliver and, despite Elspeth wanting him to stay, James suggests that it would be better for Oliver to leave so the family can grieve in peace. When Oliver suggests that this would not, in fact, be best for Elspeth, James comes to the chilling conclusion that Oliver has become a family leech that will not be removed easily..

4

“I don’t think you’re a spider. I think you’re a moth.”

Venetia Catton

Venetia and Oliver’s complex dynamic is one of the most compelling stories in Salt burn. Although it initially appears that Venetia has the upper hand, Oliver soon manages to turn the tide – as with all the Cattons. A quote from Venetia simultaneously reveals how perceptive she is while also revealing the extent to which she underestimates Oliver.

Immediately, she recognizes that Oliver wants something more than a memorable summer in the country, comparing him to a “moth“attracted to Saltburn’s flame. However, she mistakenly believes him to be,”Calm, harmless, attracted to shiny things, knocking on the window, desperate to get in.“It’s a painful assessment, but”harmless” turns out to be quite incorrect. This is an early warning sign that There’s a lot more to Oliver than meets the eye – a precursor Salt burnThe dramatic twist ending.

3

“Only rich people can afford to be so filthy.”

Oliver Quick

The extreme hedonism of the rich is on full display around the world. Salt burnand the film’s attitude towards this is clearly summed up by this quote from Oliver. Made as a commentary on the state of Félix’s room at university, it draws a strong contrast between the two characters, while at the same time providing a window into Oliver’s true feelings about his new friend. Even though Oliver is clearly in love with Felix, this moment makes it clear that his attitude is more complex than straightforward devotion – explaining how he can behave so coldly as the film continues.

Oliver has a certain seething contempt for these people, as he cannot get away with it based on their wealth. However, the line also speaks of his own jealousy, indicating that he would certainly act the way they would if he were in their privileged position.

2

“Bring on the slutty fairies.”

Home of Farleigh

The contrast between high and low culture is a key theme in Salt burn. Throughout the film, the Cattons are seen watching films such as The ring and enjoy karaoke, in contrast to the property’s austere ambience. The family’s complicated relationship with notions of class is on full display in this hilarious quote from adopted family member Farleigh Start.

A reference to Shakespeare A Midsummer Night’s Dreamthe quote reveals how the Cattons represent the confluence of two worlds—one of bawdiness and indulgence, and the other of more stereotypically impenetrable high culture. This combination makes them simultaneously seductive and terrifying – the attitude Oliver is continually struggling with. However, the line also speaks to the way they see this art as disposable fun, not delving deeper and using it as decoration.

1

“She would do anything for attention.”

Elspeth Catton

Perhaps the funniest and darkest line in the entire film, Elspeth’s offhand comment about the death of her friend, poor dear Pamela, reveals just how distant the Cattons really are. Although the family has practically condemned her to her fate, expelling her and leaving her at the mercy of her Russian lover, everyone is remarkably unconcerned about what happened and their responsibility – especially Elspeth.

This moment reveals how the family really feels about those they consider beneath them, which undoubtedly includes Oliver. While it doesn’t justify their later actions, it does suggest that the Cattons are much more than just victims in the Salt burn. The film makes it clear that there are no characters that escape the story unscathed, as this is a world of imperfect individuals from different stages of life, colliding without caring about each other’s humanity.