Highly anticipated release, Infinity Pool, marked writer/director Brandon Cronenberg’s (Possessor, 2020 Sundance) festival return in the Midnight section lineup. It’s taking a few more steps off the beaten path in his twisted exploration of the ravages to human soul. So buckle up because there’s so much to unpack…
♦♦
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Screenwriters: Brandon Cronenberg
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman
Runtime: 118 minutes
Sundance Synopsis: James and Em Foster take off to an all-inclusive beach getaway in the fictional state of Li Tolqa to help jump-start his writer’s block. Their lazy days are spent relegated to their pricey resort, isolated from the surrounding land. Gabby introduces herself and her partner, Al, as she’s a fan of James’ last novel, and they would like to spend some time together with the Fosters. The couples plan a secret daytrip outside the compound that ends in a fatal accident with James to blame. For a hefty price, there are loopholes to aid foreign travelers convicted of crimes there, which is how James is first introduced to a perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism.
*originally run on January 29, 2023 as part of the MTR Network’s Sundance 2023 coverage
♦♦
Snapshot Review:
Don’t be fool by the slick cinematic treatment and debauchery, Cronenberg’s here to push you to think about how you justify your choices. Infinity Pool’s a vulgar, darkly humorous, incisive commentary on privilege, enticement, and the destruction of soul.
Horror movies set at a travel destination open the door for an almost unimaginable spiral into violence that only seems to happen when you exist in a reality vacuum. Infinity Pool leans into that vacuum to create an environment ripe for corruption. There’s a persistent forceful disconnect in the narrative that results in one chaotic-as-hell allegory.
Listen and Ro and guest critic Richard Newby dig into Infinity Pool.
Infinity Pool opened in theaters January 27, 2023 and is currently streaming on Hulu.