Released in November 2023, Saltburn is a gripping and unsettling film that maintains a dark sense of humor. It follows the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a university student who forges a friendship with the charming Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Burdened by family troubles, Oliver seeks refuge with Felix and his eclectic family in their countryside estate, Saltburn. As Oliver’s ambition and lust for power grow, a sinister chain of events threatens to unravel the Catton family. Director Emerald Fennell skillfully incorporates a compelling soundtrack that amplifies the film’s themes and emotional undercurrents.
Barry Keoghan
Jacob Elordi
Rosamund Pike
Richard E. Grant
Alison Oliver
Archie Madekwe
Carey Mulligan
Paul Rhys
Ewan Mitchell
Sadie Soverall
Richard Cotterell
Millie Kent
“No Cars Go” - Arcade Fire
Early in the film, Oliver sits alone in a bar, visibly out of place, when Felix approaches and invites him to join him for a drink. The brief yet pivotal interaction foreshadows Oliver’s growing influence over Felix’s life. The indie hit “No Cars Go” by Arcade Fire softly plays in the background, subtly anchoring the scene in its 2006 setting.
“Time to Pretend” - MGMT
As Oliver becomes more comfortable at Saltburn, he seamlessly integrates into the Catton family dynamic. A montage shows him lounging in the sprawling countryside, basking in the sunlight outside the family’s grand estate, and reveling in the company of others. MGMT’s “Time to Pretend,” with its upbeat electronic sound, perfectly captures the feeling of summer bliss while alluding to Oliver’s desire to belong, even if it means pretending to fit in. Released in 2007, the song’s playful, dreamlike quality adds a layer of irony to Oliver’s assimilation into Felix’s privileged life.
“Rent” - Pet Shop Boys
Felix’s American cousin, Farleigh Start (Archie Madekwe), is suspicious of Oliver from the beginning. The song choice is anything but random—its lyrics, especially the line "I love you, you pay my rent," mirror Oliver’s growing dependence on the Catton family without contributing anything in return. Tension grows as Oliver’s discomfort rises, delivering the reaction Farleigh hoped for.
“Mr. Brightside” - The Killers
As Oliver and Felix set off on a road trip, the upbeat and unmistakable riff of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” plays in the background. The pair laugh and enjoy the carefree moment, but underneath the surface, the stakes are rising. Little does Oliver know that Felix is taking him to his family home. The problem? Oliver told him that his family life was toxic, but in reality, he fabricated the story to gain Felix’s sympathy. “Mr. Brightside” serves as a significant turning point as Oliver’s carefully constructed lies unravel.
“Perfect (Exceeder)” - Mason & Princess Superstar
Before their fallout, Felix planned an elaborate birthday party for Oliver. It is too late to cancel; the celebration continues, and everyone is dressed in incredible costumes that fit the theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Contrasting to the song title, this night isn’t perfect. The energetic EDM song is utilized to show how it is human nature to put up a perfect facade despite internal conflict. The party serves as a contrast to the underlying tensions in the estate.
“Loneliness" - Tomcraft
As the story takes a darker turn, Oliver once again finds himself isolated and agitated. Mirroring his solitude from earlier in the film, he is consumed by his desperation for Felix’s companionship. He follows Felix into the maze, seemingly to mend their friendship. The song “Loneliness” ends along with the scene. Later, Felix is found dead within the labyrinth, leaving the audience to piece together the horrifying events that transpired.
“Murder On The Dancefloor” - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Despite having watched Saltburn or not, anyone with access to the internet has heard of this infamous scene. Shortly after confessing his involvement in all the tragedies that fell on Saltburn to a dying Elspeth Catton (Rosamund Pike), he finally seizes the power he desires. With the house now his, he celebrates by dancing naked through its halls to the tune of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s early 2000s hit “Murder on the Dancefloor.” The track’s playful yet sinister tone perfectly captures Oliver’s descent into madness as he turns the once-grand estate into his stage for triumph.
Check out the full Saltburn soundtrack here.