One of the most controversial films ever is free to stream on BBC iPlayer
The film quickly become one of the most talked about of the past decade, with viewers unable to decide if they loved it or hated it
One of the most controversial films of the past decade, featuring an A-list cast, is about to become available to stream for free. Social media has transformed how audiences discover and engage with films.
Once overlooked releases can now become viral hits overnight, thanks to the power of platforms like TikTok. The buzz around films used to come from trailers and critical reviews, now with social media, a well-timed edit or meme can launch a film back into the spotlight.
For example, Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King had a slow start at the box office last year, but soared to a $722.6 million gross global after multiple TikTok memes gave it a second wind, Manchester Evening News reports.
One film that demonstrates this better than any other is Emerald Fennell's Saltburn - and it's now coming to BBC iPlayer to stream for free this weekend.
Released in November 2023, Saltburn follows the story of Barry Keoghan's character Oliver Quick, an awkward student at Oxford University who becomes obsessed with the much more popular and rich Felix Catton, portrayed by Jacob Elordi.
Felix take's Oliver under his wing, initially feeling sorry for the seemingly shy lower class student. Eventually the pair hit it off, and Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his massive family estate, forgetting to tell him about his eccentric family whose way of life is far from normal, and completely intoxicating.
Oliver quickly becomes obsessed with the world of wealth, eccentricity and hedonism, and things take a turn for the worse. The film shifts from a seemingly budding friendship, into a thriller full of twists and turns.
There's a stacked cast including Oscar winning actress Rosemund Pike, Richard E Grant, known for his iconic turn in Withnail and I, Conversations With Friends' actress Alison Oliver, Gran Turismo's Archie Madekwe and Carey Mulligan.
However, when the film premiered in cinemas it did not do as well as producers hoped. Saltburn grossed just $21.1 million in spite of its strong cast and gripping plot.
After its release the film's critical consensus read: "Emerald Fennell's candy-coated and incisive Saltburn is a debauched jolt to the senses that will be invigorating for most."
Saltburn's reputation then changed almost instantly when it was released on Amazon Prime Video, just weeks after it left cinemas.
The film went on to become one of Prime's most-streamed films, receiving a 71 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also dominated social media for months, as viewers recreated scenes, provided theories and begged for a sequel.
One review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Such an amazing performance from the entire cast, great cinematography and interesting storyline. This movie is entertaining and always makes me think."
Another states: "Brilliantly artistic and woefully disturbing," as a third went on to say: "Interesting story with good character development. Keeps the viewers interested and curious throughout the film."
A fourth fan claimed they'd think about this film forever, writing: "Still processing. Gonna think about it all the time. Very interesting movie and the cinematography is great."
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