Saltburn's Opening Scene: The Foreshadowing Twist

Introduction

Saltburn's opening scene holds a significant clue that foreshadows a major twist in the film. This psychological drama, directed by Emerald Fennell, is filled with suspense, shocking scenes, and hidden details that subtly reveal the movie's biggest reveals. From the first moments of the film, the opening scene and song set the stage for a compelling and deceptive narrative that leads to unexpected turns and revelations.

Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) smiling while looking over his shoulder in front of his family's estate in Saltburn.

The film follows Oliver, an outcast Oxford student, and his unlikely friendship with the charming and wealthy Felix. As the story unfolds at the Saltburn estate, Oliver's true nature is unveiled, leading to a series of unexpected events and shocking outcomes. Despite the initial portrayal of the characters, the opening scene sets the tone for a deceptive and unpredictable storyline that holds hidden clues to the film's ultimate twist.

Oliver is wearing glasses and a suit while walking through campus in Saltburn.

Deceptive Beginnings

The opening scene of Saltburn presents a deceptive portrayal of the film's genre and characters. Initially, the montage of videos featuring Felix creates the impression of a love story or a tale of heartbreak. Oliver's affectionate words about Felix lead the audience to believe in a different narrative, setting the stage for a surprising turn of events.

Barry Keoghan looks over the Saltburn estate

Moreover, Oliver's speech misleads the viewers into perceiving him as the protagonist and a supportive figure in Felix's life. The montage hints at Oliver's apparent heartbreak, further adding to the deceptive nature of the opening scene. However, amidst the portrayal of heartbreak, the scene subtly foreshadows Oliver's true desire: the Saltburn estate, hinting at the underlying theme of the film's narrative.

Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) stands at the gates of the Saltburn estate with his suitcase in Saltburn.

The Song's Subtle Revelation

The opening scene's song holds a subtle yet powerful revelation about the film's ending. As the title montage unfolds, the song 'Zadok the Priest' plays, setting the stage for a coronation anthem. However, director Fennell's alteration of the lyrics to 'Oliver Quick, long live the King!' becomes a crucial foreshadowing of Oliver's fate and triumph at the Saltburn estate.

Oliver is sitting and holding a drink with the estate behind him in Saltburn.

This subtle change in the song's lyrics serves as a pivotal clue, hinting at Oliver's ultimate victory as the new 'King' of the Saltburn estate. The symbolic transformation of Oliver's role and destiny is subtly embedded in the opening scene, laying the groundwork for the film's unexpected and compelling twist.

Oliver shirtless looking at the family's death stones at the end of Saltburn