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6

bertobellamyApr 2, 2023

'Infinity Pool' is not even close to 'Possessor,' but at least it has some ideas about the savagery that inhabits us, toxic masculinity, how consequences shape our world, and the cultural exploitation and appropriation by the rich.

Mia Goth,'Infinity Pool' is not even close to 'Possessor,' but at least it has some ideas about the savagery that inhabits us, toxic masculinity, how consequences shape our world, and the cultural exploitation and appropriation by the rich.

Mia Goth, as always, delivers a chilling performance as a twisted woman completely given to her wildest side. Salute or new horror queen!

I wish we'd known more about the sci-fi concept of the film — the doppelgangers — because it's very intriguing. Unfortunately, Brandon Cronenberg's screenplay gets messier as the story goes by, and the plot gets tedious by the second part. Some thoughts are very in-your-face, and the graphic images are there only for shock value most of the time. But hey, at least the trippy sequences are cool; they reminded me of the Panos Cosmatos 'Cabinet of Curiosities' episode.

Also, the upper-class critique theme is oversaturated by now. We've had no shortage of these films or series in the last couple of years, and lots of them have been notably superficial. 'Infinity Pool' offers a no conventional take on the subject — although the representation of the locals as bloodthirsty individuals in rags is up to debate — but it gets underdeveloped when the writer/director starts to follow another thread, which is another problem the movie has; many ideas feel undercooked. Either way, I hope Cronenberg continues to explore the darkest and sickest corners of the human condition, but more in a 'Possessor' kind of way.… Expand

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3

strangebrew123Mar 27, 2023

Story is meh! A bit bizarre, but overall boring and tedious. Acting is mostly average to poor, especially both leads! Part way though Mia Goth reads a review of Skarsgård's book....which reflects what I thought of this film...pointless!

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5

MarkHReviewsFeb 15, 2023

Alexander Skarsgård is one of the more courageous actors working today. He’s been willing to portray unappealing characters and to take big risks with the roles he’s played. Recently, he’s been an abusive husband in TV’s “Big Little Lies,”Alexander Skarsgård is one of the more courageous actors working today. He’s been willing to portray unappealing characters and to take big risks with the roles he’s played. Recently, he’s been an abusive husband in TV’s “Big Little Lies,” an amoral tech CEO (I know, redundant, right?) on “Succession” and a Viking prince with anger management issues in the film “The Northman.” His role here may be his most challenging to date.

In Writer/Director Brandon Cronenberg’s “Infinity Pool,” James (Skarsgård) and his wife are vacationing at La Tolqa, a fictional beachfront resort. After publishing a single, poorly-received book six years ago, James is seeking inspiration. The couple encounters Gabi (Mia Goth) and Alban, who invite them on a trip outside the compound, even though it’s strictly forbidden. Driving back drunk, James hits and kills a local resident. He’s arrested and taken by the police to a sober, concrete, Soviet-style police station where he’s presented with a choice. He can be executed for his capital crime. Or, for a hefty fee, he can be cloned and have his double die in his place. After that, the movie gets weird.

As with his first film “Possessor,” Cronenberg demonstrates his skill as a provocateur. The opening visual, where the camera rotates 360 degrees, informs us early that what’s to come will be disorienting. People wear grotesque masks. They engage in orgies, although they’re more psychedelic than explicit. This is a film that’s disturbing, bewildering, upsetting and disgusting but also thought-provoking.

What works here is the acting. Skarsgård shows his versatility as James (and one or two of his clones). After starring in this year’s “Pearl” and “X,” Mia Goth uses this project to solidify her status as the latest scream queen. She’s particularly skillful at compellingly portraying unhinged maniacs.

What doesn’t occur is adequate development of the many themes Cronenberg addresses in the film. He clearly disdains the entitlement of rich Western travelers who inflict themselves on some of the world’s poorest but most beautiful countries. But his critique of privilege is neither as well-focused nor as insightful as what we’ve already seen in “Parasite,” “The Menu” or even “Glass Onion.” He swings and misses when given the opportunity to address the nature of humanness in the context of clones. Where he connects most powerfully is when he proposes that humans will sink to their worst instincts and impulses when placed in a world where their actions have no consequences.

In 1996’s “Crash,” Writer/Director David Cronenberg, Brandon’s father, explored a subculture of people physically disfigured in car crashes. In “Infinity Pool,” Brandon Cronenberg is clearly interested in exploring a less obvious disfigurement: events that warp the psyche and damage if not obliterate the soul.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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4

DarkJakJan 29, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A writer struggling to dive into visceral expression is taken to a high-end island resort by his longtime trust-fund wife with daddy issues (his publisher). However, the writer being lavishly sheltered from common society, finds himself no longer enticed to his creative self. This all changes when a rich, quirky couple (fans of his book) pull him into the hedonistic flavor of life to further break the walls his wife has erected in him for a stable marriage. This is tested when the writer has to resort to choosing between lawful submission, or flight/fight nature (something driven out of him by his happy marriage). This dilemma caused by the antagonizing couple he meets continually badgering him to play into his mortality for higher self expression. However, the writer now finds himself battling his built-up nature to stay safe, but ultimately fails (no thanks to the carnal desires shoveled by the couple's Mia Goth). There really is no catharsis as the writer finds his human shell too weak for the new cult of hedonism he has fallen in line with. But, the vacation finally ends as the members go back to their rich lives in their respective countries, leaving our writer to ponder whether he even go back to that life these savage members opened to him.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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0

Thor1001Feb 11, 2023

The movie started out interesting but soon got lost in lust itself. The performances are good but the direction bothered me a lot, because he doesn't know when to stop being so metaphorical and whithout much to say. The other aspects of theThe movie started out interesting but soon got lost in lust itself. The performances are good but the direction bothered me a lot, because he doesn't know when to stop being so metaphorical and whithout much to say. The other aspects of the film are just ok.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

TVJerryJan 31, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alexander Skarsgård plays a frustrated writer vacationing with his wife (Cleopatra Coleman) at a lush resort in an inhospitable fictional country. After he accidentally hits a local while driving, he's put thru their form of punishment: A surrogate version of himself is created and executed. From there, things just turn into an exercise in bizarre. Given writer/director Brandon Cronenberg's penchant for gory fleshy effects, there's little of that here. It's more about the character's deterioration, thanks to a group of decadents led by a rather obnoxious Mia Goth. There are some dark moments, but there's no tension. Cronenberg possesses some skills at creating unique imagery and ominous overtones, but the silly "dream" sequences seem amateurish and dated. Cronenberg certainly has a unique vision, but he has yet to craft it into a film that's more than just weird.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

moviemitch96Jan 27, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A couple staying in a vacation resort overseas accidentally commit a crime and are arrested, but are introduced to a rather unorthodox means of a penalty: paying to be cloned and watch their doubles be executed instead. This leads the husband (Alexander Skarsgard) down a dark, obsessive, and dangerously degenerate path as he becomes addicted to and obsessed with committing crimes and watching himself get executed. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg (son of famed body horror maestro David Cronenberg, and who previously directed the 2020 gorefest thriller 'Possessor'), this one has a lot of interesting things to say about privilege, wealth, debauchery, etc., And it manages to express it all in the most surreal, explicit and grotesque of ways. While not as overly violent and gore-drenched as 'Possessor'', like that film, rest assured there's still plenty of shocking and graphic imagery to be found here in the form of several grizzly murders, untamed orgies, and pure recklessness. However, it's all rather tasteless and excessive, almost completely overshadowing whatever point or metaphor it's trying to express. When all's said and done, I simply felt a little too icky and like I watched a whole lot of senseless smut and violence that's all style and little substance. There's clear inspiration from media such as 'The White Lotus' and 'The Shining' to be found here, but if there are any true redeeming factors to be found, I'd say that it's mostly in the cast's performances, particularly Skarsgard's scared as sh*t performance, and especially Mia Goth (who's quickly establishing herself as a true scream queen after this, 'X', and 'Pearl'), who gives an absolutely sinister and unhinged performance for the ages. Overall, admittedly solid cast performances, and it's got a lot on its mind about the wealthy and their overindulgent tendencies (depicted in blood-soaked metaphor here of course), but it all rings rather hollow in the end by overindulging in itself and all of its excess, coming up well short of Cronenberg's 'Possessor' from a couple years ago, which I actually quite enjoyed. Wish the same could be said here, but unfortunately, not so much.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

TyyroneMuggaJan 29, 2023

Interest 6/10
Characters 6.5/10
Cinematography/Set 8/10
Story 4.5/10
Acting 6/10

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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0

Zack2013Feb 3, 2023

O filme é apenas uma cópia de 365 dias só que versão gore, simplesmente não têm história, é só o Brandon se achando a última bolacha do pacote.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

AncientAmberMar 19, 2023

Kinda fine overall. Enjoyed the score, the cinematography. I'll be honest, I came for Mia Goth and I got what I wanted. I could take or leave everything else. Minimal emotional impact, but some enjoyable scenes interspersed with overdoneKinda fine overall. Enjoyed the score, the cinematography. I'll be honest, I came for Mia Goth and I got what I wanted. I could take or leave everything else. Minimal emotional impact, but some enjoyable scenes interspersed with overdone hallucinatory sequences (please stop doing this all the time, everyone!) I enjoyed the bus ride and airport scene at the end. It's kind of an obvious choice in retrospect, but it worked for me as a kind of joke.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

vagranttreesFeb 9, 2023

you never think you gotta prepare to fight a naked rabid dog version of yourself to death, and get its blood smeared on a boob, and then suck that boob...but sometimes that's just how things be

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0

DanieltherichFeb 17, 2023

they don't have magic they're just mindless shocking scenes this new generation of horror is lost they don't make movies to scare everything anymore they have to have a stupid message behind it.

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2

TheKingRyanFeb 16, 2023

The film is one of the worst of 2023 so far, the only thing that saves it is Mia Goth's performance, since the script did not please me, photography, montage everything is so weak and boring I will never see this film again.

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8

FarEastPlayerJan 28, 2023

I like this one, wonderful sensation. I like the concept, I think the story could be bigger, especially about the pool thing. Mia Goth gave a great performance.

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0

GabrielluckyFeb 15, 2023

Tava animado para assistir o filme por causa da Mia Goth mas como esses filmes "cults" só estreiam no Brasil quase um ano depois do lançamento nos EUA tive que assistir no pirata mesmo, e meu Deus que decepção filme chato da po*** .

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8

DunkaccinoJan 31, 2023

No one could’ve played this role better than Goth. She is a fearless actress at the top of her form. Here is a film that does not limit itself, and never shies away from sensitive subject matters.

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9

alejandro970Apr 4, 2023

With a personal hallmark, although identical to his father's, Brandon Cronenberg presents a rather bizarre fable about the cynicism and immorality of wealthy people. What you are going to see is not to lose your appetite but it is notWith a personal hallmark, although identical to his father's, Brandon Cronenberg presents a rather bizarre fable about the cynicism and immorality of wealthy people. What you are going to see is not to lose your appetite but it is not suitable for modest people. Lucky those who will be able to see the uncensored version.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

JLuis_001Jan 28, 2023

I find it annoying to see that once again one of the most consuming struggles for Brandon Cronenberg is knowing how many people are going to come back again and claim that he's trying to emulate his father.

In the end, it has no bearing onI find it annoying to see that once again one of the most consuming struggles for Brandon Cronenberg is knowing how many people are going to come back again and claim that he's trying to emulate his father.

In the end, it has no bearing on the results of his film, because the one constant I had in my head while watching it was: ''When can it be considered that you're trying too hard?''

What I think is the idea behind Infinity Pool is certainly disconcerting, I find it hard to believe that its effect is intended to do anything else. Unfortunately for its creator, its artifice begins to show its weak spots as the plot progresses.

Once the plot reveals where we are going, the movie gives way to the horrifying nightmare combined with the hedonism of committing atrocities that imply repercussions for its main character that you clearly sense long before him and by the time he does it, it will be too late.

Now, understanding the style of this Cronenberg, we know that what's on display implies that there's going to be nasty, disgusting, and mesmerizing stuff.
However, I think that by approaching all of this in a made-up world, Brandon Cronenberg allows himself to escape delving deeper into his story than the obvious implications make clear.

Part of the idea is to provoke, of course, but some of his narrative moves are already known, and while the ride is well worth taking, it must also be acknowledged that in its precariousness, the more you poke around, the more the cracks begin to appear.
And while Infinity Pool doesn't collapse, it barely makes an impact.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

kirkenderFeb 5, 2023

A fantastic experience filled with wild imagery and performances. Infinity Pool is an excellent concept, with glorious execution, and it mostly sticks the landing. Great psychedelic body horror. Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgard are phenomenal.

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8

IJustWorkHereFeb 27, 2023

I thought this movie was pretty good. Something different when compared to all the remakes and other garbage hollywood is pumping out.

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9

samcharlot123Feb 19, 2023

I don't know who these other people writing reviews are, but clearly they don't know much about cinema..or good well paced storytelling for that matter. Clearly they don't know much about David Cronenberg either. His son, Brandon CronenbergI don't know who these other people writing reviews are, but clearly they don't know much about cinema..or good well paced storytelling for that matter. Clearly they don't know much about David Cronenberg either. His son, Brandon Cronenberg directed this film and I can see the influence. I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that Brandon may be on a path to do outdo his father. Especially with 2020's "Possessor". Both Possessor and Infinity Pool are both great and it's hard to put one over the other. This is not a horror film, so the other reviewers I've read don't know what they're talking about. This is more a surrealist thriller with a little bit of horror splashed in there. The horror is not really obvious, but just the audacity and lengths the story goes to is what's truly horrific about it. That's why I don't classify it as horror, because it's not cheap jump scares, it's body horror "I can't believe they put this to screen" kind of scares. This film is more in the vain of Mulholland Drive, Possessor(obviously), and early David Cronenberg's work. Think Naked Lunch and Videodrome but better paced storyline and more epic if I may say so. His father always put exploitative elements in his films, and for good reason, so it's expected his son would do the same. The exploitative nature I think is needed, as I find both Cronenberg's have some sort of message or cautionary tale of obsessing over sex, murder, infidelity, and pushing limits too far, no matter what nefarious things you indulge yourself in.

I love this movie. With all the modern "horror/thriller" trash out there that doesn't take risks (think Candyman 2021, Smile, and even Barbarian to some degree) it's refreshing to see a beautifully shot film with interesting characters and very well-acted. Not so much by Alexander Skarsgard, but Mia Goth. The last three films I've seen her in, including this one, she stole the show. Her acting in Pearl was so good and to see her shine in this was impressive. It's almost as if she's extremely confident, no matter what the scene or role requires of her. There are moments of cringe her character portrays, and I still love the way she presents the cringe. It's sort of endearing to see.

But anyway, if you like weird surrealist films with elements of "body horror" and an underlying message about the bourgeoisie, then please give this film a try.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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3

imthenoobJul 7, 2023

I wanted to like it a lot more than I did but the story was too bland and it ran a good 30 minutes too long. It did not have to be anywhere near as long as it was. It was too drawn out for its own good.