Culture

‘Infinity Pool’ is all wet on fright but provides seductive waters for enigmatic channel

Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård star in a scene from the 2023 film “Infinity Pool.” The science fiction horror movie is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. (Trinity Times photo/Kate Parkes, courtesy Elevation Pictures)

By Maalik Hawkins
Trinity Times Movie Reviewer

“Infinity Pool” is a sci-fi thriller with a fascinating premise. It’s just too bad that writer-director Brandon Cronenberg’s film isn’t as scary as the movie’s trailer.

The film is set at an isolated resort with pristine beaches and an extraordinary staff, where we meet vacationers James – played by Alexander Skarsgård – and Em Foster – played by Cleopatra Coleman.

Though management forbids all guests from leaving the resort grounds, the Fosters are piloted by the seductive Gabi – played by Mia Goth – to venture outside of this haven to another part of the island and they find themselves in an environment filled with violence and danger.

This is where the wild ride begins, laced with seduction, shock, and a deep scientific mystery, shedding light on why the island outside of the resort is so dangerous.

There is an unexpected twist in the plot that shows what money and privilege can afford.

That twist really works in this film, even if it doesn’t answer all the questions about this defining feature.

The definition of an infinity pool in the Oxford Dictionary is “a swimming pool whose positioning gives the impression that it merges into the ocean or other surrounding landscape,” providing a metaphoric significance and connection to all the character’s wealth.

Goth turns in a stellar performance in this human ethic’s tale and helps set the stage for a no-grey-area moral judgement.

Everyday Moviegoers – 6.0/10

Critics – 8.6/10

Cinephiles – 7.8/10

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Maalik Hawkins is a graduate student at Trinity Washington University.

2 Comments

  1. Well said! This movie had so many nuanced themes and was a great new take on immortality. I was rooting for the main character’s come the whole movie 😩

    • Well said! This movie had so many nuanced themes and was a great new take on immortality. I was rooting for the main character’s come back the whole movie 😩