Infinity Pool (2023)
Written and Directed by Brandon Cronenberg
Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth and Cleopatra Coleman
Running Time 1 hour and 57 minutes
MPAA Rating R
In theaters January 27

by Rosalie Kicks, Editor in Chief & Old Sport

*It should be noted, this review is SPOILER FREE!

Infinity Pool is a reminder that sometimes one requires a vacation after a vacation.

Em (Cleopatra Coleman) and James Foster (Alexander Skarsgård) are on holiday at an all-inclusive, fictional beach resort known as La Tolqa. Despite this being a place of relaxation, they both instead appear tense. This was particularly noticed during their breakfast conversation that more than confirmed the two are on the rocks. It was clear the main objective of the getaway was to change that, but instead it seems their issues will continue to go avoided, instead with a change of scenery. An interaction with a fellow guest at the walled off compound, Gabi (Mia Goth) reveals that James is a author. She recognizes him and shares her admiration for a panned book he wrote six years prior. Gabi’s compliments inevitably land a dinner date with the couple.

Typical introductory banter revolving around careers, residences and “how we met” stories ensue between the Fosters, Gabi and her spouse. Of course, it is only a matter of time for the awkwardness cloud to float in. Snide comments directed at James by Em regarding his hiatus from writing cause the air to be taken from the room. However, it does not stop Gabi from inviting the duo on an excursion. James can’t resist the invite while Em is rightfully a bit cautious, as they were told not to leave the safe confines of the hotel. Heck, they don’t even know these people. For James though, Gabi is someone that appreciates his work and for a struggling writer this is like catnip. It is the perfect boost to self-esteem and quite possibly makes him feel less pathetic about selecting a commercialized island getaway as a place to seek “inspiration”. Little does James know that he is about to experience enough to provide material for a series of books, that is if he is able to find the gumption to relive the tale.

Without getting spoilery, I feel that at the heart of this menacing yarn is the evilness of humanity. It showcases the lengths someone will go not just for entertainment but appeasement in their life. This can be said most particularly of those of the affluent persuasion. They are able to conduct themselves without the fear of consequence for their actions. Their wealth not only affords them power but encourages them to be reckless. This is seen when they leave the compound despite the warnings. For them, rules do not apply. This privilege allows them to act without remorse.

For me, Brandon Cronenberg is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. He makes motion pictures that manage to leave the screen and find their way into my being. The imagery and ideas wormed their way into my consciousness resulting in a constant deliberation within my mind of what I just witnessed. I encountered a similar experience with his previous film, the sci-fi horror Possessor. Brandon is an example why I love watching film so much.

The acting is excellent as well. Alexander Skarsgård and I go way back. I welcomed him into my home during the days of True Blood and have found, in terms of his performances, that he is aging like a fine wine (i.e. pictures such as The Northman far exceed Tarzan). As for Mia Goth, she has turned out to be an actor that I will readily admit I was wrong about (that time I regretfully saw her in A Cure for Wellness and had a brief obsession with Dane Dehaan). Mia is aces. Her role as Gabi cements that she is someone to go to the movies for. Being delighted by her shrill Bette Davis-esque shriek of “Jaaaaaamessssss!” will most likely live rent free in my mind until casket time.

Infinity Pool takes the viewer on a journey and at the end of the ride many may find much like James Foster they are not the same.