i think the reason oliver is such a compelling character - or at least to me, he is - is because in the end…he wins! he gets what he wants and comes out on top.
in this modern world everyone is a bit of an oliver. crippling social anxiety, awkward, booksmart, and later in the film mostly queer audiences STILL find themselves relating to oliver’s struggle of how to express a desire that is so unconventional, so disturbing, so queer. normally in shows like this - shows with stunning rich people and their stunning social skills - the social outcast remains a social outcast. the queercoded character does not get their happy ending and remains the perpetual butt of the joke.
but in saltburn? saltburn almost has a gone girl sort of ending in the way the supposed villain gets what they want in the end, and we’re rooting for them! we see a mostly unexplored perspective in cinema - the perspective of the outsider, of the freak, and we see just how awful these people - beautiful shiny upper class folk - are, and then this outsider, who has been patronised and placed on a pedestal and humiliated, gets his revenge and gets everything he desired in the end. and in a world where queer, different characters are killed off or side lined or made fun off for whom or what they desire, oliver stands out, because he gets what he desires and he makes the audience root for him while he’s doing it.
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starter for: @diademreigned
How many years had passed since Hiroto last laid eyes upon his younger sister? His recollection of her appearance was hazy at best, as he was promptly dispatched to Tural, his fathers homeland, shortly after her birth. In that moment, he found himself uncertain as to why they had chosen him as the one who must depart. Despite being the eldest and expected heir to lead the tribe, Hiroto was sent to reside with acquaintances of his father, who he had connections through his occupation as a Viper. It was only recently that the older Caelum sibling had met Stella face to face. Hiroto only wanted to talk to her, but there was that tiny bit of his heart that resented her.
With a sigh, the Miqo'te with white hair cast a glance towards the bustling crowd. His hand had recently been bandaged following a heated altercation between Stella and himself. As a Warrior of Light, she possessed remarkable abilities beyond ordinary comprehension. However, it was evident to him that engaging in combat with him was not a desire she harbored. Yet, the most agonizing aspect of their situation was her complete lack of memory that he even existed.
‘I…I don’t remember having a brother. It was always just Dad, mom and me.’
The impact of those words pierced his heart deep, even though he harbored a strong suspicion that she would not retain any recollection of him. After all, when he departed, she was just a newborn. How could anyone expect someone so young to recall those memories. Didn’t mean it didn’t hurt, it only made Hiroto feel like he was the outcast in the family. Shaking his head, the Viper jumped down from the balcony having spotted his target. A smaller Miqo’te with tanned skin and freckles.
Data Mochi…wasn't that his name? One of his sister's close friends. He craved the prospect of learning more about Stella from someone close to her. Since he has re-encountered Stella, it appears that many details of her life have escaped his notice. However, an incredible wave of rage coursed through his veins once more at that precise instant. He worked hard to quell those thoughts. The last thing Hiroto wanted was for people to think he was a heartless person. that he had no intention other than to inflict Stella harm, even though that was not the case at all.
Hiroto leaned against a nearby pillar, his red eyes fixed on Data as the brunet moved through the crowd. As he was dressed like a red mage, it seemed reasonable to conclude that the stories were accurate. The other person was, in fact, the Crimson Duelists' second-in-command.Hiroto only found out about this when he ran across X'rhun a few days before. The two had gotten into a discussion over what the Red mages were up to, which led to him discovering Data's relationship to his sister.
'I will say this…my sister surely knows how to pick them…' Hiroto murmured, his gaze lingering on the brunet shape for a little longer than usual. Just as Data was going to walk by, Hiroto teasedly let his tail twirl around his waist. It would be uncharacteristic of the elder Caelum to pass up the opportunity to try and rile someone else.Hiroto's mouth made a low purring sound as he leaned over to whisper in Data's ear. Keeping his hand on the back of the other to hold him close.
"Ah, Data Mochi, if I am not mistaken? Nice to meet you. My name is Hiroto Caelum…I'm Stella's brother, but I'm sure she's told you everything about me by this time."
It was difficult to determine if it was good or negative given how protective G'raha had been of her. Naturally, Data would initially also react defensively toward him. Hiroto lingered his lips near Data's ear, and the Viper inhaled deeply, taking in the woodsy aroma. It reminded him of home, but that was only diverting him from the reason he had sought out Data in the first place.
"Excuse me.I'm so accustomed to behaving like this around others.Regarding Stella, I have some questions for you. If you could spare a moment of your time.”
How many times had Hiroto used his body to lead unwary individuals to their demise? The isolation he had been subjected to for so long had seeped deep into his own being. The fact that Hiroto's tail refused to unwrap from around Data's waist baffled the taller man more than anything else. While they had only just met, the brunet gave off a warm vibe that seemed to follow him around.
A sense of comfort enveloped Hiroto, a rare emotion that had eluded him for countless years. With a shake of his head, the white-haired man finally let go of Data. Although it was wrong to approach someone in that manner, there was a part of the older Caelum that didn't regret it. Despite the fact that the movement had clearly taken Data by surprise. His excuse was that he was nurtured by a group of Vipers, who had instilled in him the use of these tactics at a young age. It had merely become second nature to approach those he deemed attractive in this manner. It was rare, but when Hiroto got that feeling in his chest, he tended to act on such emotions.
"Unless…you despise me as well. After all, I couldn't really hold it against you.I went after Stella. One of the people that you seem to care about the most. G'raha was quite angry with me too. I can only imagine how you'll react. She got such an easy life compared to me. So many see her as some hero, but reality is she took my life away from me."
The weight of enduring such intense emotions for an extended period became insufferable, with Stella emerging as the sole person they would cling to. Each time Hiroto's gaze fell upon her, a pang of anguish coursed through his heart, for she served as an unwelcome mirror of their beloved mother. Their actions mirrored each other with an uncanny resemblance, too, which didn't help matters. In his absence, he was unable to protect Kuri from any potential harm. Perhaps, in the depths of his heart, he harbored a sliver of blame towards Stella for the tragic demise of their parents. However, one cannot help but wonder if he possessed a complete understanding of the intricate events that led to their untimely demise, or if his perception was merely a reflection of what the tribe desired him to believe.
"You are her best friend…tell me how you could care for someone like her? Stella caused the deaths of both of our parents."
Hiroto's brows widened as he noticed Stella heading down the trail with Marv. It didn't take him long to figure out she was heading in their direction. The older Caelum remained motionless as she came to a halt in front of the two of them.
"Data…why is Hiroto here." whispered Stella, as Hiroto noticed that her forehead was bandaged from their struggle. It appeared to be healing, yet she acted as if it were nothing. She bent down and picked up Marv before gently handing the Dodo to Data. As the pink-haired Au Ra turned and headed back up the stairs, they exchanged an unspoken glance. G'raha was waiting for her, and he sent Hiroto a scowl before grabbing Stella's hand.
"See. I told you she hates me, so you should too yet you haven't even tried to run away yet."
Distance yourself from me, before it's too late. I am but a harbinger of suffering…
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