Saltburn's Bathtub Scene Explained in Detail

Saltburn, the latest film from director Emerald Fennell, has stirred up considerable conversation and controversy since its release.

The film, which stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick and Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton, explains about the dark and complex themes of obsession, desire, and class disparity.

At the center of this exploration is a shocking bathtub scene that has become one of the film’s most talked-about moments.

This scene, in which Oliver drinks dirty bathwater that Felix has ejaculated into, serves as a visceral display of Oliver's obsessive fascination with Felix, pushing the boundaries of what viewers might expect to see on screen. The saltburn bathtub scene has sparked a variety of reactions, from shock to intrigue, among viewers for its bold narrative choice.

The Bathtub Scene: What Happens and Why It Matters

The scene takes place after Oliver, a student from a modest background, arrives at the grand estate of his wealthy classmate, Felix.

From the beginning, it's clear that Oliver is captivated by Felix’s luxurious lifestyle and confident demeanor. His fascination, however, quickly morphs into something more intense and unsettling.

The infamous bathtub scene begins shortly after Oliver arrives at Felix's home. One evening, Oliver accidentally glimpses Felix masturbating in the bathtub. Instead of turning away, Oliver is transfixed by the sight, his gaze locked on Felix's actions.

After Felix finishes and leaves the bathroom, Oliver enters. The camera lingers on his hesitant movements as he approaches the tub, and then, shockingly, he lowers himself into it and begins to drink the soiled bathwater.

Critics have debated the thematic purpose behind the saltburn bathtub scene, questioning whether it's a mere shock tactic or a deeper commentary on obsession.

This act is profoundly disturbing for several reasons. First, it grotesquely transgresses social and personal boundaries, demonstrating Oliver's utter lack of self-respect and his willingness to degrade himself in pursuit of his obsession.

The scene also symbolizes Oliver’s desire to consume Felix, to internalize some essence of him through the most intimate and forbidden means possible. It is not just a moment of shock for shock's sake; it is a carefully constructed window into Oliver's psyche, one that reveals his deep yearning for closeness and his distorted sense of intimacy.

Meaning Behind the Scene

Barry Keoghan, the actor who portrays Oliver, provided crucial insight into the scene's deeper meaning in a recent interview. He explained that the bathtub scene is a representation of Oliver "submitting to his obsession."

It shows Oliver at his most vulnerable and desperate, highlighting how he physically lowers himself into the bathtub in an act that symbolizes his emotional and psychological descent.

Keoghan also described the scene as being akin to a sacrificial ritual. In Oliver's mind, this degrading act is a form of devotion, a means of showing his willingness to do anything for Felix.

This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the scene, suggesting that Oliver’s actions are not merely about desire but also about a desperate need for acceptance and belonging. He wants to prove his loyalty and love for Felix, even if it means humiliating himself.

From an actor's perspective, Keoghan emphasized the importance of empathy when approaching such a challenging role. He noted that to play Oliver convincingly, he had to avoid judging the character's actions. Instead, he needed to understand Oliver's motivations and the intense emotions driving him.

This approach allows Keoghan to bring depth and nuance to his performance, making Oliver's disturbing actions seem not just believable but inevitable given his psychological state.

Criticism of Shock Value in Saltburn

While Saltburn has garnered generally positive reviews for its bold storytelling and compelling performances, some critics have taken issue with its reliance on shock value. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, memes, and analyses focusing primarily on the saltburn bathtub scene due to its controversial nature. For many viewers, the saltburn bathtub scene symbolizes a pivotal moment in the film where boundaries, both literal and metaphorical, are crossed.

The film features several graphic and provocative scenes, such as Oliver's naked dance around the estate and a disturbing grave scene, which have led some to argue that the film is more interested in provocation than in meaningful storytelling.

However, defenders of the film argue that these shocking moments are integral to its narrative and themes. The bathtub scene, in particular, is crucial for understanding Oliver’s character and his spiraling obsession with Felix.

It is not a gratuitous moment but rather a powerful expression of Oliver's inner turmoil and his desire to connect with Felix in a way that defies conventional boundaries.

Furthermore, the film uses these shocking moments to explore deeper themes related to class and privilege. Oliver's obsession with Felix is not just about physical attraction or admiration; it is also about the allure of wealth and status.

Oliver comes from a modest background and is captivated by the opulence of Felix’s world. His actions can be seen as an extreme attempt to bridge the gap between his own social standing and Felix's privileged position.

In this sense, the bathtub scene serves as a metaphor for Oliver’s desire to immerse himself fully in Felix's world, to drink in every aspect of the life he covets.

A Deeper Dive into Saltburn’s Themes of Class and Obsession

Saltburn is not just a film about obsession and desire; it also offers a critique of class dynamics and the lengths people will go to in order to ascend the social ladder. The relationship between Oliver and Felix is marked by an unequal power dynamic from the start.

Felix, with his wealth and confidence, represents a world that Oliver desperately wants to be a part of. This longing drives Oliver to act in increasingly erratic and self-destructive ways.

The film suggests that Oliver’s obsession with Felix is fueled not only by personal desire but also by a deep-seated resentment and fascination with the privileges Felix enjoys.

Oliver's actions are driven by a complex mix of admiration, envy, and a desire for revenge against a system that has denied him the opportunities that Felix takes for granted.

In this context, the bathtub scene can be seen as an act of rebellion against the rigid class structures that separate them, even as it is also an act of submission to those very same structures.

The Role of Intimacy and Taboo in Saltburn

One of the most striking aspects of Saltburn is its exploration of intimacy and taboo. The film repeatedly blurs the line between desire and revulsion, attraction and repulsion.

This is most evident in the bathtub scene, where Oliver’s act of drinking the bathwater is both a grotesque violation of boundaries and a deeply intimate act. It is a moment that encapsulates the film’s exploration of the darker sides of desire and how obsession can lead to self-destruction.

The film also explores the concept of taboo in other ways, particularly through its portrayal of sexual relationships and power dynamics. For example, there is a scene later in the film where Oliver engages in a sexual act with Venetia Catton, Felix’s sister, while she is menstruating.

This scene, like the bathtub scene, challenges viewers’ comfort levels and forces them to confront the uncomfortable realities of desire and obsession.

The Controversial Ending and Its Implications

The ending of Saltburn has been a point of contention among viewers and critics alike. In the final moments of the film, it is revealed that Oliver may have been responsible for a series of tragic events that have befallen the Catton family, including Felix’s death.

This twist raises questions about Oliver’s true intentions and whether his actions were driven solely by obsession or if there was a more calculated plan at play.

Some viewers have interpreted the ending as a sign that Oliver's obsession with Felix was not as innocent as it initially seemed. Instead, it could be seen as part of a larger strategy to ingratiate himself with the Catton family and ultimately take advantage of their wealth and status.

This reading adds a sinister dimension to the bathtub scene, suggesting that Oliver’s actions were not just about his fixation on Felix but also about his desire to infiltrate and manipulate the Catton family for his own gain.

However, the film leaves much open to interpretation, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about Oliver's motives and the nature of his obsession. Was Oliver's descent into madness and depravity driven purely by a desire for Felix, or was it also fueled by a deeper resentment and ambition? The ambiguity of the film’s conclusion forces viewers to grapple with these questions, adding to the complexity and intrigue of the narrative.

Bottom Line

Saltburn is a film that pushes boundaries and challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about desire, obsession, and class. The bathtub scene, while shocking, is a crucial moment that encapsulates the film’s themes and the complexity of its characters.

Through Barry Keoghan's nuanced performance and Emerald Fennell's bold direction, the scene becomes more than just a moment of shock value; it is a powerful exploration of the lengths one will go to in pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

The film’s controversial moments, including the bathtub scene, serve to highlight the destructive nature of obsession and the ways in which desire can lead to self-destruction. The saltburn bathtub scene stands out not just for its content but also for how it challenges the viewer's comfort with intimacy and voyeurism in cinema.