ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Review: Infinity Pool

by Emily Sharp

If you had the privilege to succeed with careless crimes in exchange for your wealth, would you ignore your moral responsibilities? Infinity Pool, Brandon Cronenberg's latest horror/sci-fi creation, is a gruesome take on the idea of buying your freedom, as well as the mental consequences that follow after doing so. The film shows the rich's ability to succeed with thoughtless crime and reckless murder, by including aggressively sexual images, moments of drug abuse, and intense graphics throughout the movie. Opening with quite a loaded cast, Alexander Skarsgard plays James Foster, the main character who is sociably introduced to us as a failed author looking for immense inspiration. While deep into his search, Foster and his wife, (Cleopatra Coleman), run into trouble with an oddly arrogant and forceful couple. Mia Goth, one of Hollywood's newest "Scream Queens," gives a blaring performance in her role as Gabi, who, seemingly, is one half of the bold couple. Praised for her leading roles in two 2022 hit films, Pearl and X, Goth's undeniably vicious on-screen personality flows perfectly with the film's ruthless visuals. The films' hallucinogenic depictions keep the eyes of the audience, both confusing and intriguing our minds. Infinity Pool ends with an emotional outcry from the protagonist, as well as provides a sick feeling in its' audiences' stomachs. 

While the film comments heavily on the rich and privileged, the "tone deaf" attributes come from the affluent director himself. Son of David Cronenberg, a venereal horror director who is acclaimed for his productions of grotesque sci-fi films such as The Fly (1986) and Videodrome (1983), the Nepo baby follows in his father's footsteps, striving to create films equally as uncomfortable yet liberating to watch. As many Hollywood stars make pitiful attempts to fully relate to their audience, Brandon too fails at addressing the underlying truth of the film: money equals power. Not only is Cronenberg a sufficiently wealthy screenwriter and director, he is also a nepotism baby, and could never truly connect with his audience the way I am assuming he hoped his film would. As much as I appreciate his father's work, I am not sure I can say the same about his own. Though his films give off somewhat of the same effects as David's, Brandon's sexually vulgar additions take away from the enjoyment of film. I cannot imagine the risque scenes that were forcibly cut from the theatrical production in order to have the film rated as R. From the agonizing sex scenes and overly aggressive perversions, to the disturbing drug scenes and the murderously gruesome ending, Infinity Pool is seriously an uncomfortable watch. This film is not for those looking for an interesting sci-fi film with meaningful substance. Instead, you are met with intense pornographic pictures and a shallow storyline. Though I definitely believe that there are certain films created to make their audience cry or cringe, Infinity Pool negatively succeeds that while providing little to no depth. I cannot say I'd confidently recommend this film to those with easily queasy stomachs, let alone to anyone who does not want Cronenberg's sexual images burned into their minds.