The Top 9 Plot Puzzles of Saltburn: A Cinematic Conundrum

9. A Mother's Britpop Anecdotes

Elspeth Catton's claim of befriending '90s Britpop bands like Blur and Oasis while being a new mother raises eyebrows. Considering the timeline, her tales of partying are more likely to fit into the 1980s, begging the question of memory distortion or a deliberate concealment of the truth. This discrepancy in the recounting of her youthful escapades adds a layer of mystery to Elspeth's character, painting a picture of a woman whose past is as blurred as the lines between fact and fiction.

Rosamund Pike as Lady Elspeth Catton holds a cocktail and looks serious in Saltburn

8. The Unexplained Death of James Catton

The demise of patriarch James Catton is shrouded in ambiguity. With an obituary that leaves much to the imagination and hints at a possible suicide, the lack of explicit details surrounding his end adds to the film's mystique. The audience is left to piece together the events leading up to his 'sudden' death, which is described as a turning point in the family's history. This gap in the story fuels speculation and discussion about the true nature of James Catton's untimely departure from Saltburn.

Sir James Catton (Richard E. Grant) sitting at the table, wearing glasses, with a napkin tucked in his shirt in Saltburn.

7. Overlooked Police Investigations

The consecutive deaths of Felix and Venetia Catton, under suspicious circumstances, shockingly do not prompt the expected degree of police scrutiny. The film portrays the Catton family's denial and concern for their image as factors that might dissuade a thorough investigation, but this narrative choice leaves viewers questioning the realism of such an oversight. The absence of diligent police work in the face of such tragedy is one of the film's glaring inconsistencies, casting a shadow over the credibility of the story's legal proceedings.

Oliver, Felix, and Venetia sitting and looking out in Saltburn.

6. Anachronistic Movie Magic

A puzzling timeline error occurs when James and Felix Catton are seen watching 'Superbad' before its official release. This anachronism is addressed by the film's creator as a result of Elspeth's connections, yet it stands out as a curious choice that raises questions about the reliability of the film's representation of time. Such an anomaly might be intentional, creating an atmosphere of disorientation and questioning, or it may simply be a slip that snuck past the editors, either way, it adds another twist to Saltburn's perplexing narrative.

5. Farleigh's Inexplicable Absence

The inexplicable disappearance of Farleigh from the Catton family saga, despite his vow to always return, is a plot hole that fans can't ignore. After being framed for Felix's drug-related death, Farleigh vanishes from the narrative without attempting to clear his name or challenge Ollie's narrative. This omission begs the question of what might have been happening off-screen and whether Farleigh's pride or fear ultimately led to his retreat from the family estate.

Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) showing the sleeves of his tuxedo to Farleigh Start (Archie Madekwe) in Saltburn.

4. Ollie's Incredulous Intubation Incident

Ollie's brazen act of removing Elspeth's intubation tube is as shocking as it is suspicious. The lack of immediate repercussions from such an overt and incriminating action stretches the bounds of believability, especially considering the presence of Elspeth's presumably top-notch medical team. This pivotal moment in the film has viewers questioning how Ollie could possibly evade detection and responsibility, highlighting a significant gap in the movie's internal logic.

3. Ollie's Delayed Realization

The delayed realization by Ollie that Felix is driving to his parents' house is a testament to the complexity of his character. It takes him an implausible six hours to recognize Felix's intentions, which seems incongruent with Ollie's otherwise sharp and perceptive nature. This delay serves as a subtle clue to the audience that Ollie may be more lost in his own machinations than he appears, or it could simply be a narrative oversight that escaped the scrutiny of the film's creators.

Oliver and Felix driving in a car in Saltburn

2. The Mystery of Elspeth's Comatose State

The mysterious circumstances that leave Elspeth Catton in a comatose state are never fully explained, leaving a gaping hole in the plot. The audience is left to wonder how Ollie could engineer such a condition without attracting attention or instigating further inquiry. This unexplained plot point serves as a crucial turn in the story, yet its lack of clear exposition results in a frustrating enigma within the broader narrative.

1. Unchallenged Inheritance

The most bewildering aspect of Saltburn is the unopposed inheritance of the estate by Ollie following Elspeth's death. Considering the family's wealth and influence, it defies belief that no other relatives or close friends would contest the decision. This plot point suggests an almost surreal level of isolation for the Catton family, or perhaps a deeper, unexplored connection between Ollie and Elspeth. The absence of a legal battle or familial dispute over such a significant inheritance stands as the film's primary conundrum, challenging viewers to ponder the possible reasons behind this narrative decision.

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