Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’ Debuts at London Film Festival

The BFI London Film Festival has chosen one of the most eagerly awaited British movies of the year to open its 2023 edition.

Emerald Fennell’s second movie, Saltburn, which comes after her Oscar-winning film Promising Young Women, will have its international premiere on October 4th at London’s Royal Festival Hall, opening the BFI London Film Festival.

Starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe and Carey Mulligan, and likened to The Talented Mr. Ripley, the film is described by festival organizers as a “beautifully wicked tale of privilege and desire.”

Set in the mid-2000s, the story follows student Oliver (Keoghan) who, struggling to find his place at Oxford University, finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Elordi), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten. 

“As soon as the credits rolled on Saltburn, it was clear we’d met our opening night film,” said incoming London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson,

Emerald Fennell, an Academy Award-winning director, presents a thrilling and expertly crafted film that showcases the incredible talents of the U.K. both in front of and behind the camera.

With outstanding performances, exciting plot twists, and a soundtrack filled with early 21st-century pop hits, this ambitious film has captured our hearts. We are thrilled to share it with audiences in London and throughout the U.K. this October.

The film, produced by MRC and Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, will be released by Amazon Studios and MGM in theaters on November 24th.

Emerald Fennell expressed her honor and excitement that “Saltburn” will open the BFI London Film Festival. She is also known for her successful film “Promising Young Woman” and her current role in the movie “Barbie” alongside Margot Robbie.

“It is a festival that inspired me so much growing up, one that I followed excitedly from my bedroom on the other side of London. It feels extra-special that Saltburn, this very British tale of excess, is able to make its international debut at the wonderful BFI.” 

Starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, the writer-director’s follow-up to ‘Promising Young Woman,’ described as a “very British tale of excess,” will get its international premiere on Oct. 4.