Infinity pool shows things you have never seen before and maybe shouldn’t see

First things first: Infinity pool is not for the faint hearted. That’s probably what everyone who saw the first trailer or other films by director Brandon Cronenberg thought. Possessor for example. What the wild mixture of criticism of the rich, sci-fi clone dystopia and horror elements but then actually brings it to the screen, exceeds all expectations. In the positive as in the negative.

Alexander Skarsgard has himself cloned in Infinity Pool to witness his own execution

Author James Foster (Alexander Skarsgård) is creatively burned out. Years have passed since the publication of his first and last book. Since then he has lived like this – and is supported by his rich wife, publisher’s daughter Em (Cleopatra Coleman). When the two at one Luxury vacation on the (fictional) island of La Tolqa meeting another couple (played by Mia Goth and Jalil Lespert), James seems inspired for the first time. But then he runs over a native on a trip together, which means the death penalty on La Tolqa.

James is lucky, however, for rich tourists like him there is an exception: he can apply for a sum of money cloned in a strange ceremony. Instead of himself, his image is executed by the deceased’s family, he only has to watch. In other words: If you have enough money, you no longer have to follow any rules in the holiday paradise.

What disgusts his wife Em excites James. And grants him access to a group of uncompromising luxury vacationers ready to push even the most fucked-up boundaries. What follows is a mixture of The Purge, The White Lotus and scenes with a touch of psychedelic to sadomasochism, which probably go best with “Moodboard for Arthouse Porn” summarize.

The sci-fi horror wants nothing more than to shock – and with a few exceptions remains surprisingly unimportant

Generally there is some things Infinity Pool does well: A long, increasingly surreal sex scene, which could also have taken place in Gaspar Noé’s drug neon escalation Enter the Void. Alexander Skarsgård, who manages to breathe tangible nuances into an ego pig that is repulsive at first step. Unforgettable shots that are so visually special in their awfulness that you can’t help but imagine them want to hang in a BDSM dungeon. And of course the completely over-the-top and at times magical, at times frightening Mia Goth, who Hollywood should now bestow an honorary prize for the most fascinating performances in a horror film.

Infinity pool is easy to tell, crass and throws you from one unbearable situation to the next. This volatility pulls you through the story and is especially fun in the cinema – with the disgusted reactions of the audience. Nevertheless, the film does not ignite.

The problem isn’t that Brendan Cronenberg doesn’t have any ideas or a flair for filming such seldom seen nightmares. In Infinity Pool, it’s more like the son of cult director David Cronenberg has too many ideas, just doesn’t want to think them through to the end. The film raises questions and interesting dilemmas to address them immediately exchange for the next moment of shock. Like he’s bored himself.

Check out the second trailer for Infinity Pool here:

After 117 minutes of running time, that’s why… little remains. No feeling, no further thought, just a certain disappointment. About that the film believes so little in its own ideasthat he prefers to shock instead. Like a teenager, wanting attention, hacking into an internet forum the most provocative thoughts that come to mind.

When and where can you see Infinity Pool?

Infinity Pool by Brandon Cronenberg is shown in selected Berlin cinemas as part of the Berlinale (February 16 to 26, 2023). The official cinema release is April 20, 2023. In addition to Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman and Jalil Lespert, Thomas Kretschmann and Amanda Brugel will also be there.

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