Previous Next

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

The Maze

In one of the formal “state rooms” at Saltburn, there is a small model of the full-sized hedge-maze located on the property. In one scene, Oliver finds the model and, using marbles, tracks the various paths that run through it before he is interrupted by Duncan, the butler. Rattled, Oliver apologizes, as this is not a part of the house generally used by guests. Duncan, however, tells him not to worry, as many people get “lost” at Saltburn. In some sense, the maze represents Saltburn itself. Both are large, winding environments in which a person might get easily lost. However, Duncan’s comment is also metaphorical. Oliver loses himself in Saltburn, leaving his old life behind as he works his way through a confusing web of motivations, loyalties and conflicts.   

During Oliver’s birthday party, he confronts Felix at the center of the maze, where there is a large statue of a Minotaur. In Greek mythology, the Minotaur lives in the elaborate labyrinth created by the architect Daedalus on behalf of Minos, the King of Crete. The maze at Saltburn is closely tied to this Greek myth, in which young people are sent to the labyrinth as sacrifices to be hunted down and killed by the minotaur. Wearing horns as part of his costume, Oliver demonstrates his mastery of the maze when he follows Felix to its center and murders him there.  

The Karaoke Song 

After a dinner party at Saltburn, the Cattons and their guests sing along to karaoke. Oliver and Farleigh have a tense conversation in which Farleigh admits that he planned to sour Oliver and Felix’s friendship by telling Felix about Oliver’s fling with Venetia. Shortly after, Farleigh gets up, selects the song “Rent” by the Pet Shop Boys, and requests that Oliver sing it. The lyrics of the song are told from the perspective of a young man, who is implied to be a sex worker, singing to another man, upon whom he is financially dependent. Farleigh picks a song that he feels symbolizes the relationship between Oliver, who has no money of his own, and the wealthy Felix, who often extends generosity to Oliver.  

This choice of song is intended to be humiliating for Oliver, who perceives the insult, as do the other members of the Catton family, who murmur uncomfortably and suggest that Farleigh has gone too far. Oliver, however, gets the last laugh by insisting that Farleigh join him, noting that the song is relevant to them both. In inviting Farleigh to sing along, Oliver suggests that Farleigh also hopes to get money from the Cattons. The song reveals an uncomfortable parallel between Oliver, who is from a less privileged background, and Farleigh, who relies upon the charity of Sir James.  

The Music Box

At various points in the movie, Oliver stops and looks at a music box with the words “The Catton Players” written at the top. In the music box, he sees small paper marionettes representing Sir James, Lady Elspeth, Felix, and Venetia, all standing in front of Saltburn beneath stage-curtains. The box's importance to the family is underscored during the party thrown for Oliver’s birthday, which features a full-size replica of the stage from the music box. When Oliver turns the handle of the music box, the marionettes begin to “dance” to the music. Throughout the movie, Oliver manipulates the real Cattons, using his wiles to influence their behavior and control their responses. In this sense, the music box symbolizes Oliver’s plan to “play” the Cattons, who unwittingly fall in line with his various schemes, including his plan to get Farleigh kicked out of the house. At the end of the movie, Oliver gazes into the music box after inheriting Saltburn, underscoring his sense of “victory” over the family.  

Previous section Motifs Next section Setting

Take a Study Break