Infinity Pool Review
Uncomfortable and unhinged. Infinity Pool is the holiday from hell.
Infinity Pool is written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg who directed science fiction horror films Antiviral (2012), Possessor (2020). True to his style, the film is dark, twisted and slightly unhinged.
Infinity Pool follows the story of James Foster, a failing writer (Alexander Skarsgård) and his wife, Em (Cleopatra Coleman) who are holidaying at a luxury resort in the fictional country of Li Tolqa. At the resort they meet the mysterious and seductive Gabi (Mia Goth) and her husband Alban (Jalil Lespert).
Unsurprisingly, James and Em’s holiday takes a dark turn when James accidentally kills a Li Tolqa local. The laws in the country mean that James must die at the hands of the firstborn son. However, for a hefty fee, James can be cloned and have his clone be killed in his place. James, who married into money, pays the fee to have his clone killed before his eyes.
Similar to his earlier works, Cronenberg creates an exceptionally creepy, surreal film. From the very start, he utilises wide shots which dizzyingly rotate against an intense and dark score, creating unease and anxiety of what is to come.
Cronenberg allows the most uncomfortable and gory scenes to linger on for what feels like an eternity, adding to the chaotic nightmare.
Skarsgard is fantastic as James and unsurprisingly, Goth, the queen of horror is enigmatic, powerful and completely unhinged as Gabi. Goth has again proven herself to dominate this genre. The pair work exceptionally well together, diving head on into a completely unsettling story.
Li Tolqa is a fictitious place, yet it seems to mirror our society, the film seems to be attempting to make social commentary but falls a little short in driving the point home. It feels like the messaging is a little lost in the chaos.
