I’m generally getting a bit tired of movies and tv shows that critique the rich, but this does have a fresh take on it. It’s essentially about how removing the social contract for the rich creates a breeding ground for psychopaths that need to do increasingly crazy shit in order to feel any mental stimulation. A concept like that asks you to go crazy as a director, which this movie does successfully. There’s some very weird and grotesque stuff in it, and that’s easily the most entertaining part. Moreover, it has some beautiful cinematography (some close-ups seemed _Mr Robot_ inspired to me?) and Tim Hecker’s score sets exactly the right atmosphere this movie needs. I also thought Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgard were both excellent, they both get to show a lot of range and they’re playing interesting, unlikeable characters. However, it starts to feel repetitive after a while. I had a grasp of its concept around the halfway mark, after that the story takes a backseat and stops building. It relies on horror and shock value, which is fine for the movie that it is, but I wanted a stronger conclusion for the narrative because it kinda just ends. I also thought the whole [spoiler] cloning [/spoiler] element felt a little too thrown in there, it feels like it comes from a different movie. Overall, a very solid, quality horror film to start the year.

7/10

Yeesh, I didn't like this one at all, and I can't help but feel like a lot of the buzz around this movie is purely off the back of Mia Goth's, albeit excellent, unhinged performance. Following Possessor, I was very intrigued to see what Brandon Cronenberg would do next and while a similar Sci-Fi + Social Commentary plotline is there, this quickly fades into psychedelia and masturbatory body horror that feels aimless and purely visual. I'm sure there is a message in here about rich individuals being above the law due to their infinite finances allowing them to cheat the legal system; I'm sure there is an exploration of the human psyche and how we can flip between normalcy and degeneracy at the drop of a hat when consequences are removed; I'm sure this movie has a lot to say but something just isn't connecting with me with how it's told and shown. A rather large whiff of the bat for me on this one, but I'm glad I got to see more of Mia Goth doing what she does best. While I think she's probably above comic book movies, I'm sure she's currently at the top of the list to take over the Harley Quinn character in whatever iteration WB spit out next, but I digress.

Infinity Pool is a horny, horrifying look at ego and self-indulgence based on self-doubt and failure. The film follows novelist James Foster (Alexander Skarsgard) as he is mesmerized by Gabi (Mia Goth) resulting in a stained week of violence and debauchery.

The plot is a story of two halves, the first being incredibly strong as the audience is learning the mystery behind the experiments, guests and their past. Viewers can resonate a ton with Foster's wife as she is constantly neglected and misused by her husband. That is ever apparent in the shot selection as she is constantly out of frame or unfocused. This part really worked for me, but as the story progressed the scope grew too large for its own good. The ending becomes unfocused, resulting in aspects that do not make sense or are incredibly unbelievable in the world that the film has set up.

The film has fantastic cinematography though, filled with interesting visuals that create for a very unique and chaotic viewing experience. Every shot is calculated and filmed in an interesting way that creates suspense and uncomfortable feelings.

The performances are superb, Mia Goth has found her niche in the "elevated" horror genre becoming a modern-day scream queen. Although, after X, Pearl, and now Infinity Pool, I would like to see her do some more diverse work, but she has nailed this type of character. Alexander Skarsgard is also great with some emotionally engrossing scenes mixed with cold, emotionless scenes that create an interesting dichotomy for the characters headspace.

Although the film slightly stumbles towards the end and might have a bit of a bloated run time, there is still a ton to enjoy with a creative story, mind bending cinematography, and powerhouse performances.

Score: 77%
Verdict: Great

Infinity Pool presents a fascinating concept that is both original and intriguing. The movie follows a storyline that is similar to The Purge, but with a twist. In this movie, there are no consequences for the wealthy elite, which is a unique and thought-provoking concept.

However, the movie loses its way quickly, and the storyline becomes too bizarre for its own good. The events that unfold towards the end are confusing, and there seems to be no clear message to take away from them.

The actors' performances are commendable, and the production values are excellent. The visual effects and cinematography are well-executed, but unfortunately, they cannot compensate for the muddled and confusing storyline.
Overall, Infinity Pool is an interesting idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The movie is too convoluted and lacks a coherent message, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied. Despite some of its strengths, this movie is ultimately a miss.

_Infinity Pool_ is an eccentric sci-fi horror filled with disturbing sex, crazy amounts of ultra-violence, and a sequence where Mia Goth breastfeeds Alexander Skarsgard. It’s super weird and obviously a different type of film that won’t appeal to the typical mainstream blockbuster crowd.

The film takes an interesting detour into what defines gluttony and to what extremes humans will undergo in order to feel hungry again when their stomachs are already bloated from overeating. Ambiguously haunting with bloodcurdling sensuality, _Infinity Pool _is not for the squeamish and yet such an impressive and bourgeois bloodbath for those who admire unusually unsettling cinema.

**Full review:** https://boundingintocomics.com/2023/02/01/infinity-pool-review-replicating-the-sins-of-the-new-flesh/