By Noémie Bannerot, Staff Writer
Why are we still talking about this movie, you might be wondering, it’s been months now! Well, the movie came out around Christmas, so we just wanted to give you time to watch it to avoid the spoilers.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard about the movie Saltburn. Love it or hate it, Emerald Fennell’s creation has left an indelible impression on audiences worldwide. However, what’s truly fascinating is not just the movie itself, but the unprecedented marketing strategy that propelled it into the stratosphere of pop culture.
With Saltburn-themed videos on TikTok alone amassing more than 4 billion views, it’s clear that social media played a pivotal role in the film’s success. From studio marketing to fan activity, TikTok has become a virtual stage where the most controversial scenes were replayed ad nauseam. It’s almost as if the movie was crafted with these shocking moments in mind, designed to create a buzz that transcends traditional advertising.
Seeing this TikTok hype, I couldn’t help but wonder: has the product become overshadowed by its own popularity? The line between genuine enjoyment and a desire for belonging blurs as viewers rush to Prime Video, not just to watch the movie, but to understand the viral sensation flooding their “for you page.”
However, let’s not skirt around the controversy. For many, the graphic scenes depicting gore, drinking dirty water from a bathtub drain, consuming period blood, and even *the* grave scene were not just shocking, but downright scandalous. Some unfortunate souls even experienced the dread of watching these scenes with their parents, seeing your mom cover her eyes and scream while you were unphased, which undoubtedly led to awkward dinner table conversations.
However, most people my age to whom I spoke about this film did not find it shocking. What does this say about us young people? Has social media reshaped our perception of entertainment? We’ve grown up with unfettered access to all sorts of content, blurring the lines between what’s acceptable and what’s taboo.
Yet, despite the controversy and shock value, there are those like me who found solace in the aesthetic beauty of Saltburn. The cinematography, with its breathtaking shots and meticulous attention to detail, offered a visual feast for the eyes.
