Name: Infinity Pool
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 2023-01-27T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Jalil Lespert, Adam Boncz

The moment James Foster (Alexander Skarsgård) watches his own death unfold on screen, the true horror of Infinity Pool reveals itself: it’s not just the act of violence that’s terrifying, but the ease with which wealth insulates its beneficiaries from consequence. Brandon Cronenberg’s latest film is a deliberate, unsettling exploration of privilege and moral decay, wrapped in the guise of a vacation-gone-wrong thriller. It’s a film that demands attention, not for its shocks, but for its unflinching examination of human nature under the weight of unfettered indulgence.

Set in the fictional country of Li Tolqa, Infinity Pool follows James Foster, a struggling novelist, and his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman) as they vacation at an isolated island resort. The film opens with a deceptive tranquility: pristine beaches, exceptional service, and the kind of luxury that lulls its guests into complacency. But the resort’s idyllic facade crumbles when James and Em venture beyond its gates, guided by Gabi Bauer (Mia Goth), a seductive and enigmatic local. What begins as a leisurely exploration quickly spirals into a nightmare when a tragic accident forces them to confront Li Tolqa’s zero-tolerance policy for crime: either execution or, for the wealthy, the option to watch oneself die vicariously through a surrogate.

Cronenberg’s direction is sharp and deliberate. He crafts a world that feels both exotic and eerily familiar, using the resort as a microcosm of the broader societal issues he’s exploring. The film’s visuals are striking, particularly in its contrast between the resort’s gleaming surfaces and the grimy, chaotic streets beyond its gates. The use of sound design is equally effective, with muffled, distorted audio during violent sequences heightening the disorientation and unease. Cronenberg doesn’t just show violence; he makes the audience feel it, creating a visceral experience that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

Skarsgård delivers a standout performance as James Foster. His portrayal of a man unraveling under the weight of his own privilege is both compelling and unsettling. Skarsgård’s ability to convey James’s internal struggle—his initial reluctance, his growing fascination with the surrogate system, and ultimately his embrace of it—anchors the film. Goth, as Gabi, exudes an unsettling charm, her character serving as both guide and catalyst for the couple’s downfall. Coleman and Lespert (as Alban Bauer) provide solid support, though their characters feel somewhat underdeveloped in comparison to Skarsgård’s more prominent arc.

The film’s strengths lie in its themes and performances, but it isn’t without its flaws. The pacing falters in the second act, lingering too long on James’s internal turmoil without enough external tension to balance it. Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, their arcs overshadowed by James’s more prominent journey. Additionally, while the film’s themes of wealth and moral decay are compelling, they occasionally feel heavy-handed, as if Cronenberg is hitting the audience over the head with a sledgehammer rather than allowing them to draw their own conclusions.

Infinity Pool is not for the faint of heart. It’s a film that demands active engagement, one that rewards viewers willing to grapple with its complex themes and unsettling imagery. Those who appreciate thoughtful horror with a social edge will find much to chew on, while fans of Cronenberg’s previous work will recognize his signature style in the film’s exploration of body horror and psychological unease.

In many ways, Infinity Pool feels like a natural evolution of Cronenberg’s filmography. It shares DNA with his father’s work, particularly in its examination of the human psyche under pressure, but it also carves out its own unique identity. The film’s blend of horror, science fiction, and social commentary sets it apart from more conventional thrillers, making it a standout in an increasingly crowded field.

Ultimately, Infinity Pool is a bold, unsettling exploration of privilege and the lengths people will go to avoid consequences. It’s not a perfect film, but its strengths far outweigh its flaws.