Going back home for the holiday season always brings about unique experiences. This time, it appeared that everyone had collectively decided to introduce their families to “Saltburn” – the film starring Barry Keoghan in a memorable bathtub scene.
The contrast between the chaotic nature of “Saltburn” and the lack of any prior warning given to grandparents before watching it was quite striking. Personally, I made sure to brief my mother about the movie before she delved into it with her boyfriend, as I preferred not to spend the entire night fielding questions. That was my approach to navigating the evening with “Saltburn,” a decision I believe was the right one. Meanwhile, others opted for a different approach to their “Saltburn” experience.
Many families chose to watch the movie together, creating a communal viewing event. I even witnessed a group indulging in cocktails served in bathtub-shaped cups before hitting play on the film. It seemed that the tumultuous events of 2023 had led us to the point where we found amusement in teasing our parents before enjoying some Christmas ham as a collective unit, all while gathered on the couch witnessing Barry Keoghan’s performance.
The proliferation of videos showcasing families undergoing the “Saltburn” experience has been remarkable. It’s not just one household partaking in this cinematic adventure; numerous families are unintentionally immersing themselves in the world of the Emerald Fennell film, with blame often directed at the instigator within the family.
Is it morally acceptable to deceive your family into watching the unfolding drama of Oliver Quick’s encounters with the Catton family? Surprisingly, yes, it is. This unconventional holiday tradition of subjecting loved ones to the intrigue of “Saltburn” is something I eagerly anticipate each year. May the tradition of watching “Saltburn” during the holidays endure.
Embracing the Quirkiness to Kickstart the New Year
Our collective fascination with “Saltburn” may border on obsession, but let’s not dwell on that. Whether it’s owning candles that evoke memories of Jacob Elordi’s bathwater or sharing videos of synchronized dances to “Murder on the Dance Floor” to ring in the New Year, Fennell’s creation has undeniably left its mark on us all.
While it may have been unnecessary to involve Grandpa in the viewing experience, perhaps he secretly enjoyed “Promising Young Woman.” After all, Pop Pop’s interests can be quite unpredictable.
The unanimous decision to subject our parents to the cinematic marvel that is “Saltburn”? I wholeheartedly support it. They deserve to experience films like “Saltburn,” especially since they might not choose to watch them independently, despite the undeniable quality of the movie. This shared experience is likely to become a cherished cultural memory. In 2023, we dressed up for screenings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in theaters, only to conclude the year by compelling our mothers to ponder what led us to subject them to “Saltburn” over the Christmas break. Truly, what a memorable way to wrap up the 2023 season, wouldn’t you agree?