Brandon Cronenberg's 2023 science fiction horror film Infinity Pool is a thrilling and thought-provoking ride that ultimately falls short of its potential. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, and Cleopatra Coleman, the film takes viewers on a journey through an isolated island resort, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur in a terrifying and dangerous way.
The story follows James (Skarsgård) and his companion Em (Coleman) at the start of the film, as they enjoy their vacation. However, they are drawn in by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Goth). Gabi leads them from what was by all accounts a lackluster vacation, into a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leads to a zero-tolerance policy for crime, forcing James to face the harsh realities of his new surroundings alone.
Mia Goth's portrayal of Gabi is a standout performance in the film. Her character is both alluring and terrifying, drawing the audience in and keeping them on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between her and Skarsgård's character James is palpable, and their dynamic adds an extra layer of tension to the story.
However, despite the strong performances, the film is marred by its excessive use of gore and its tendency to pull too many strings. The gory scenes, while intense, often feel gratuitous and distract from the overall horror of the story. The film also suffers from a lack of consistency in tone, with some moments feeling overly serious and others feeling like a parody of itself.
It's a shame that the film relies so heavily on gore, as some of the most terrifying science fiction can be obtained with no gore at all, as exemplified by many episodes of Black Mirror. The concept presented in Infinity Pool is fascinating, but the need to shock and shock often overshadows the need to scare.
Despite these shortcomings, the film does have its moments of brilliance. The direction is skillful, with some truly breathtaking shots that showcase the beauty and danger of the island resort. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with a particular emphasis on the use of color, light, and shadow to create a sense of unease.
While Infinity Pool may not be a mainstream hit, it's sure to be a cult classic that will be remembered for a long time to come. It raises important questions about the nature of reality and the dangers of unchecked hedonism, but ultimately falls short of its potential due to its excessive use of gore and inconsistent tone. It's a film that will leave you questioning your own reality and will keep you guessing until the very end, but it's not without its flaws.
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