Infinity Pool Review
Brandon Cronenberg is back with his third feature film. This time Alexander Skarsgard is on vacation with his wife at a resort in the fictitious country of Lakota.
While there, the country is undergoing a local festival that involves masks that can only be described as David Cronenberg-esque. While at the resort, James (Alexander) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) foster meet Gabi Butler (Mia Goth) and her husband who are fans of James Foster’s first book.
As we have learned from Speak No Evil and White Lotus Season Two, never make friends with people on vacation. However, White Lotus does not exist in this universe, so James and Em go on a day trip to a beach with Gabi and her husband.
On the way back to the resort James hits and kills a local farmer he did not see. James is arrested the following day and is told that the punishment for any crime in Lakota is death.
However, since Lakota relies on tourism for its economy, there is a loophole for tourists and foreign diplomats. You can pay a nominal sum to have a clone of yourself executed instead.
This awakens something within James as he realizes in Lakota he can essentially live without consequence. He links back up with Gabi her husband and their friends who come here every year to have their version of fun.
Cronenberg’s Sophomore effort Possessor was my favorite film of 2020. So I was very excited to learn he was back after less than three years with his next film.
He has not missed a beat with his signature style and storytelling. Some of the reviews have been inflated stating that this is the most effed-up movie ever. I would not go that far.
However, if the name Cronenberg is attached you should know what you’re getting yourself into. Without getting into spoiler territory this film goes to some dark and unexpected places.
One thing Brandon Cronenberg does very well is production design and cinematography. This and Possessor especially look so good, and everything in the background is selected on purpose.
There is a meld of future and past that goes into the production design of his films giving them a unique look.
What his films can lack, especially Infinity Pool, is in the story. After that setup, there really isn’t much that pushes the story forward. It just becomes about vibes.
Not complaining, some great films are all vibes. But it can be asking a lot of your audience to be this shocking and not plot-heavy. The performances are why you stay for this film though.
Mis Goth in particular may be one of the most interesting actors working today. In 2022 she gave a brilliant performance in Ti West’s Pearl, and now she is working with another lauded horror director.
She is fully committed here as nothing is off the table. She takes Alexander Skarsgard to depths he has never gone and I am amazed both remain normal after these performances.
I cannot blanket recommend Infinity Pool to anyone. But for fans of horror and Cronenberg, you know what you’re getting into and you will enjoy what you watch.
4/5 Stars.
