Top 9 Quotes from 'Saltburn': A Satirical Romp Through High Society Madness

9. A Calculated Outburst

Michael Gavey's mathematical challenge to Oliver Quick is a comedic highlight of 'Saltburn.' This explosive demand, 'Ask me a sum,' transitions from a simple attempt at connection to a full-blown spectacle. Gavey's character is the perfect foil to Oliver's outsider status at Oxford, providing levity and a touch of madness to the social hierarchy within the university walls.

Ewan Mitchell Michael in Saltburn

8. The Grand Arrival

Oliver's introduction to the grandeur of Saltburn is juxtaposed with Felix Catton's nonchalant 'Hi, Granny!' greeting to the ghost of his grandmother. This hilarious moment captures the film's satirical edge, contrasting the estate's splendor with the Cattons' blasé approach to their heritage and the supernatural. It's a scene that sets the stage for the absurdity to come.

Venetia in the breakfast scene in Saltburn with Felix doppelganger behind her

7. Elspeth Catton's Indifference

Elspeth Catton, portrayed with biting wit by Rosamund Pike, delivers some of the film's most memorable lines. Her reaction to the rumor about 'Common People' showcases her dismissive attitude towards fame and knowledge. Her quip, 'It couldn't have been about me. I've never wanted to know anything,' perfectly encapsulates the Cattons' privileged obliviousness.

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

6. Oliver's Realization

The line 'Only rich people can afford to be this filthy' reveals a critical aspect of Oliver's view of the Cattons' lifestyle. It's a stark observation that highlights the disparity between Oliver's world and that of the affluent Cattons. This quote serves as a foreshadowing of Oliver's complex feelings and the chilling decisions he makes as the plot unfolds.

Oliver (Barry Keoghan) with his eyes closed in the bathtub in Saltburn

5. A House of Deception

Venetia Catton's prediction, 'We're all about to lose our minds,' is a chilling piece of foreshadowing that hints at the impending chaos. As one of Saltburn's most observant characters, Venetia's words are a subtle yet powerful indicator of the dark undercurrents within the Catton family and the estate itself.

Venetia Catton (Alison Oliver) looking deeply disturbed while pouring wine into an overflowing glass in Saltburn.

4. The Lure of Saltburn

Duncan's ominous advice to Oliver, 'Lots of people get lost in Saltburn,' is a testament to the intoxicating allure of the Catton's world. This line is a harbinger of the transformative and often perilous journey that awaits those who become ensnared by the family's opulent yet treacherous way of life.

Oliver (Barry Keoghan) stands outside the titular estate in Saltburn

3. The Moth and the Flame

Venetia Catton's assessment of Oliver as a 'moth' rather than a 'spider' is a crucial moment in understanding their dynamics. She perceives Oliver as harmless and superficially attracted to the glitter of Saltburn, unaware of his deeper motives and the dramatic developments that will later ensue.

2. High Culture Meets Lowbrow Humor

Farleigh Start's quip, 'Bring on the slutty faeries,' encapsulates the Cattons' dichotomy of high and low culture. This humorous nod to Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' underlines the film's exploration of class and culture, illustrating how the Cattons straddle the worlds of aristocratic heritage and modern-day indulgence.

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

1. The Cattons' Callousness

Elspeth Catton's darkly comedic line about her friend Pamela's death, 'She'd do anything for attention,' is the peak of the Cattons' detached and self-centered worldview. This statement not only reflects Elspeth's coldness but also hints at the family's indifference to the fate of others, setting the stage for Oliver's ultimate confrontation with the Cattons.

Rosamund Pike as Elsbeth holding a glass in Saltburn