PIKE DREAMS: 'Who cares if someone else was first choice if you make a role yours?'

Rosamund Pike chats about why she always thought she was a good fit for acting, working with Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise and starring in the outrageous hit film Saltburn

- JENNY DAVIS

She’s an acclaimed actress with a long and illustrious career, but no one could deny that Rosamund Pike is enjoying something of a moment thanks to her scene-stealing role as Lady Elspeth Catton in director Emerald Fennell’s hit movie Saltburn.

“I just saw her as a fun ride. She had great lines –that was clear,” Rosamund tells OK! as she settles down to talk about her career highs and that memorable performance in the shocking black comedy drama. “I think there are definitely scenes in the film which probably could never have been in the script or she [Emerald] would never have got it made,” she says, laughing.

And we can see why – no spoilers, but this may not be the elegant Brideshead Revisited–style film you might expect. Set in 2006, Saltburn follows awkward Oxford University student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) who becomes obsessed with his intoxicating new friend Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi. Invited to spend the summer at Felix’s family’s country estate, Oliver meets the aristocratic (and frankly bonkers) Catton clan and forms a special bond with matriarch Elspeth, a former model with a very loose take on supportive motherhood.

The 44-year-old gained critical acclaim and awards nominations for her role, so it’s easy to see why she remembers the experience with such affection.