The surprising conclusion of Saltburn unveils the true motivations driving Oliver Quick’s fixation on Felix Catton and the opulent Saltburn estate. Initially portrayed as a socially isolated figure at Oxford University, Ollie (Barry Keoghan) forms an improbable friendship with the charismatic Felix (Jacob Elordi) and his high-society companions. Captivated by Felix’s carefree existence and his effortless ability to attain desires, Ollie concocts a detailed plan to win Felix’s favor, ultimately laid bare in the gripping finale of Emerald Fennell’s thought-provoking dark thriller.

Fennell, renowned for her Oscar-winning 2020 film Promising Young Woman featuring Carey Mulligan, helms Saltburn as her second directorial venture. The film bears resemblances to the narrative of Anthony Minghella’s 1999 classic, The Talented Mr. Ripley, where Matt Damon’s deceptive protagonist Tom Ripley becomes infatuated with the splendor of wealthy, cultured, and adventurous individuals like Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) and Marge Sherwood (Gwenyth Paltrow). In the end, Saltburn transforms into a chilling and disconcerting exploration of a parasitic presence in human form.

Saltburn Ending Explained

The climax of Saltburn unfolds following Felix’s sudden death, initially appearing as an accidental overdose. James and Elspeth attempt to maintain their formal lifestyles despite their son’s demise, leading to Farleigh and Venetia struggling to maintain composure. The revelation of Farleigh’s involvement in serving large amounts of cocaine at Ollie’s birthday party prompts the Catton family to disown him.

Venetia later succumbs to a seemingly manipulated suicide in a Saltburn bathtub, further unsettling the Catton family. James, distressed by the consecutive tragedies and Farleigh’s ostracization, pays Ollie to leave Saltburn permanently. The film transitions to the present day, revealing Ollie’s prosperous life fueled by the buyout money, until he discovers James’ obituary. Ollie strategically encounters Elspeth, manipulates her into making him the estate heir, and unveils that his narration has been directed towards her. The film concludes with Ollie fatally removing Elspeth’s breathing tube and dancing naked through Saltburn.

Saltburn’s character endings are marked by Pamela’s possible staged suicide, Felix’s murder by Ollie, Venetia’s manipulated suicide, Farleigh’s exile, James’ ambiguous death, Elspeth’s demise orchestrated by Ollie, and Ollie becoming the owner of Saltburn.

Ollie poisons Felix with a lethal dose of cocaine, framing Farleigh for Felix’s death. Venetia’s suicide is orchestrated by Ollie, exploiting her vulnerability. Ollie’s peculiar graveyard scene above Felix’s grave reflects the complex emotions and conflicted feelings he harbors for Felix. Ollie patiently waits for James’ death to exploit Elspeth, manipulating her and eventually causing her demise.

The ending leaves James’ and Farleigh’s fates ambiguous, with James’ death potentially being a suicide influenced by Ollie. Farleigh’s destiny remains unexplained, possibly forgotten and left in exile by Ollie.

Saltburn’s conclusion sees Ollie claiming ownership of the estate, fulfilling his desire for wealth and power. However, it exposes his sociopathic nature, deceitful actions, and the twisted victory of belonging to Saltburn at the cost of eliminating the Catton family. Ollie’s celebration of belonging through a naked dance in Saltburn’s halls reveals the dark irony that he can only truly belong when he is alone in the mansion, having eradicated everyone else.