Brandon Cronenberg, known for his horror movies Antiviral and Possessor, released Infinity Pool in January 2023. Following in his father David Cronenberg's footsteps, he delves into the body horror subgenre and fearlessly tackles themes of violence and gore.
Infinity Pool has received mixed reactions due to its disturbing and bleak moments. With an 87% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer based on 210 reviews, the film has been praised by critics, but its Audience Score of 52% reflects a more divisive response. The ending of Infinity Pool is both poignant and unsettling, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
So, what is Infinity Pool about?
Brandon Cronenberg's Infinity Pool follows the story of James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em Foster (Cleopatra Coleman), a married couple who take a trip to Li Tolqa resort. However, their vacation takes a dark turn after they meet Gabi Bauer (Mia Goth) and discover that the resort is not what it seems.
As the plot unfolds, Infinity Pool takes a terrifying twist as the couple learns that the rich and powerful come to this resort to indulge in criminal acts and escape punishment. James accidentally kills someone with his car and is then told that the only way to correct the balance of the universe is for the dead man's firstborn son to murder him. But James has another option - he can pay a large sum of money to have a clone made of himself and offer it up as a sacrifice instead.
With its gripping storyline, Infinity Pool is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts looking for a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Infinity Pool is a captivating movie that delivers on the key elements of the body horror genre. While the film doesn't shy away from showing plenty of gore, it still manages to keep the focus on the characters and their moral dilemmas. James, the main character, faces a difficult decision when he tries to convince his wife Em to return to the United States in order to protect her.
However, some viewers may wonder why James doesn't also return home if he truly wants to do the right thing. This question adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story and keeps audiences engaged throughout the movie. Despite this moral ambiguity, Infinity Pool remains stunningly visual, reminiscent of Cronenberg's Antiviral film. Ultimately, the film's central question about the limits of human capability is only possible because of James's decision to stay in the exotic and dangerous location.
So, how does Infinity Pool end? You'll have to watch it to find out!
As Infinity Pool draws to a close, the darkness that pervades the movie remains unrelenting. James is taken in by a family who run a farm, but he is so heavily drugged that he can't distinguish reality from fiction. Gabi's associates pressure James to kill one of his own clones, and when he refuses, he ends up killing the clone himself. The film is full of grotesque body horror sequences like this one.
Instead of returning home, James heads back to the resort and sits outside in the rain, contemplating the horrors he has witnessed. It's a poignant and moving scene that's filled with raw emotion.
The conclusion of Infinity Pool leaves an impression that James is unable to move on from the events that occurred at the resort. It implies that he may choose to remain there indefinitely, unable to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic experience. It is plausible that James may find it difficult to return home to his wife Em and resume a normal life after what he has been through.
The conclusion of Infinity Pool raises the possibility that James has become enamored with his criminal persona, which he adopted during his ominous vacation. He may have convinced himself that he deserves a place where he can act without fear of consequences, hence his reluctance to leave.
The movie features a stellar cast, with Mia Goth delivering a standout performance as a seductive character who will stop at nothing to achieve her objectives. Her portrayal is compelling and convincing, underscoring her reputation as a talented actress who excels at playing strong, complex roles.
While the conclusion of Infinity Pool may not satisfy everyone, it is effective in its ambiguity. If James were to return home and resume his previous life, it would undermine the dark, brooding themes that underpin the story. James has been irrevocably changed by his experiences, and the ending reflects that.