Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, surprising us with its range from amusement, envy, and entertainment to unsettling discomfort.
Despite some finding the storyline predictable, the movie continues to pique curiosity. While it ties up loose ends neatly towards the end, questions remain about Farleigh’s fate.
Many viewers wonder if he met his demise by the movie’s conclusion. So, what happened to him?
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for “Saltburn.”
In “Saltburn,” Farleigh Start’s fate remains a perplexing mystery as Oliver Quick cunningly orchestrates his banishment from the estate on two occasions. The first involves a deceptive email to Sotheby’s about Farleigh’s alleged sale of Palissy Plates. The second is when Farleigh is implicated in Felix’s death due to his cocaine use. In the end, Oliver could have killed him, or Farleigh could have never returned to Saltburn.
What Is Farleigh’s Fate in Saltburn?
In the intricate narrative of “Saltburn,” the character of Farleigh Start stands as a puzzling enigma, and his ultimate fate remains shrouded in ambiguity.
Throughout the film, his journey is marred by manipulation and deception, primarily at the hands of Oliver Quick, who casts a dark shadow over Farleigh’s existence.
The beginning of Farleigh’s tumultuous journey is marked by a calculated move by Oliver.
He frames Farleigh on not one but two occasions, both intended to banish him from the Saltburn estate.
The first instance involves an email sent to Sotheby’s Auction, purportedly from Farleigh’s account, where he offers to sell Palissy Plates.
Elsbeth, ever vigilant, discovers the ruse and forces Farleigh to depart. However, Oliver’s vindictive scheming doesn’t end there.
Farleigh’s second ordeal occurs on Oliver’s birthday, a seemingly festive occasion that takes a sinister turn.
Oliver skillfully implicates Farleigh in the tragic death of Felix, cleverly exploiting the fact that Farleigh was seen using cocaine on the night of the incident.
By insinuating that Farleigh’s drug use indirectly led to Felix’s overdose, Oliver manipulates the situation to his advantage.
The consequences of Oliver’s evil actions are swift and severe. The drug is discovered in Farleigh’s room, leading to his banishment from Saltburn by Sir James Catton, the family patriarch.
This harsh decree makes Farleigh’s future bleak, as he is presumably sent back to the United States.
The film leaves Farleigh’s fate hanging in the balance, adding an element of mystery to his character.
He does not meet his demise on screen, allowing room for various interpretations. The audience is left to ponder whether he survived his exile or met a more sinister fate.
One plausible theory is that Oliver, having successfully removed Farleigh from Saltburn, may have pursued him beyond the estate’s boundaries.
This theory suggests that Oliver’s malevolence knows no bounds, and he might have sought to eliminate Farleigh during his time away from Saltburn, ensuring that no loose ends remained to threaten his grand design.
Alternatively, Farleigh’s absence from the Catton family narrative may be voluntary.
After all, he had little claim to the family’s assets, having been cast out by Sir James long before the events of the film unfolded.
Staying away could have been a prudent choice for Farleigh, sparing him from the clutches of Oliver’s sinister plans.
In the grand scheme of Oliver’s intricate plot, Farleigh Start may have been seen as a minor pawn, a relatively insignificant threat to his ambitious machinations.
This perception could explain why Farleigh was so easily discarded by Oliver, who likely saw him as a non-essential player in the unfolding drama.
The fate of Farleigh Start in “Saltburn” remains a compelling mystery, a testament to the film’s layered character dynamics.
As viewers, we are left to grapple with the enigma of Farleigh’s destiny, forever pondering whether he managed to evade Oliver’s malevolence or if his absence from Saltburn concealed a darker, more sinister truth.
What do you think happened to Farleigh? Did he ever return? Or was he killed off by Oliver?
Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
