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Matriarch of the Catton family, Lady Elspeth (played by Rosamund Pike) presents herself as a sympathetic and generous benefactress to the less fortunate. She takes in Pamela (Carey Mulligan), a stylish woman who is hiding from her ex, a Russian oligarch whose former associates frequently meet untimely ends. By the time Oliver arrives at Saltburn, however, it is clear that Lady Elspeth has already begun to tire of Pamela, treating her so-called friend more like a servant and dropping not-so-subtle hints that Pamela should leave Saltburn. She is, in the end, unable to truly sympathize with Pamela’s misfortunes, admitting to Oliver that she has grown bored of hearing Pamela moan about her difficulties and implying that she only ever liked Pamela for her stylish appearance. When Pamela dies, likely as a consequence of her leaving Saltburn, Lady Elspeth complains about the necessity of attending her funeral in London.

Lady Elspeth represents the moral apathy and coldness at the heart of Saltburn and the Catton family. It is Lady Catton who unintentionally helps Oliver to understand that he will have to fight to keep his place at Saltburn and in Felix’s life. Oliver is particularly successful in manipulating the shallow Lady Elspeth, flattering her and soothing her vanities.  

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