Infinity Pool
Hot off the heels of the critically-acclaimed, mind-bending Possessor, director Brandon Cronenberg continues to blaze his own trail with Infinity Pool's release. The (literal) head-splitting and disorienting journey follows failing writer James (Alexander Skarsgård) as he vacations at a luxury resort in search of inspiration for his second novel. A run-in with seasoned visitors Gabi (Mia Goth) and Alban (Jalil Lespert) gives James precisely what he’s looking for as he is soon thrust into a world of excess lust and violence after an accidental hit-and-run. On par with Cronenberg’s previous work, Infinity Pool does not hold back in its display of gore, sex, and head-scratching oddities. All of these serve the film’s unique character even if the journey itself might be less thrilling than what its concept deserves.
Infinity Pool approaches themes prominent in today’s world in manners never before seen. The film follows the increasingly popular “eat the rich” trend found within modern cinema but its seemingly redundant topics can be looked past for the way they are discussed. Cronenberg explores such topics through the deliberate choice of setting: a luxury resort within the fictitious third-world country of Latoka. In creating this world that’s not too far off from our reality, he is able to dissect the disparity between social classes, the hypocrisy of the wealthy, and how governmental institutions exploit this privilege ultimately for the benefit of both parties, all at the expense of the poor. Additionally, the film touches upon gender politics and identity, albeit not as overtly as the dissemination of wealth. Ultimately, the real horror lies in the question Cronenberg poses: “What extremes would power-wielding individuals go to if stripped of their identity?”
Infinity Pool would not have been able to pull off its differing tones of black comedy and tension without its lead performances. Skarsgård occupies the screen with confidence and determination to pull off the more audacious moments of the film, perhaps enough to rival the horror icon status of his brother, Bill. Goth once again harnesses the over-the-top camp of 2021’s Pearl to deliver a similarly unhinged Gabi that propels the film forward. Demented and wrong in every way, the seductive chemistry between the two begs for your attention like a car crash you can’t look away from. Yet, the same cannot be said for the plot points of the film.
James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Gabi (Mia Goth) moments before indulging in their most violent and sexual fantasies, identities concealed so as to not face any consequences.
For a concept as out there as Infinity Pool’s, the film does nothing groundbreaking with it. Aside from an arthouse orgy and Alexander Skarsgård emulating a dog, the envelope is never genuinely pushed. With a premise involving doppelgängers, the possibilities are endless. Cronenberg is no stranger to testing the limits of horror as seen with Possessor. In that film, he elevates a basic hitman plot by contextualizing it within the horror genre and simultaneously exploring the human condition, gender identity, and capitalism. Infinity Pool, however, lacks the support to back up its ideas and themes.
As for Cronenberg’s direction, this time around he opts for intimate, almost uncomfortable close-ups and mind-numbing shots. Although it may not be pleasing to the eye, the direction certainly serves its purpose in placing you there with the protagonist. Much like Skarsgård’s character, the audience feels trapped and hopeless but revels in what is transpiring. The close-quarter cinematography also heightens the hedonism within the film. Tim Hecker’s synth-based score lends itself to the near-future, almost dystopian setting, further instilling a disorienting feeling within the audience beyond the fast-paced editing, heightened caricatures of our leads, and outlandish premise itself.
Trippy and unlike anything in recent memory, Infinity Pool is a one-of-a-kind film but it fails to build upon its script’s foundation. In doing so, it leaves the audience unsatisfied despite Cronenberg’s twisted, yet assured, vision. Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth play to the screenplay’s tones excellently and are essentially the driving force behind the film. Regardless, Cronenberg’s own sci-fi Stanford Prison Experiment further defines his own voice separate from the legacy of his "king of body horror" father, David Cronenberg, and entices the audience to anticipate his next endeavor.
Verdict: Although Infinity Pool fails to take advantage of its eccentric concept, its ability to offer an otherworldly experience with its visuals and unique exploration of its themes make it a Nick Pick.