Not only was I very much impressed, I was also shocked and disturbed, in ways that Brandon Cronenberg clearly intends his audience to. Infinity Pool is an electrifying experience of excellent atmosphere. I consider this better than Cronenberg's last film Possessor, as there is a better-paced narrative and livelier characters.
I also appreciated Cronenberg more as a filmmaker. He is imaginative, visionary, with a specific talent for body horror. I think he will be satisfied knowing that his work gave me a headache, for better or worse. With the ear-pounding, distorted music and the distinctive close-ups of body parts, I don't think anyone else could've made this good a film with the material.
Alexander Skarsgård does well as James Foster, a novelist on vacation in an isolated resort with his partner (Cleopatra Coleman), who gets himself into a big, violent, terrifying mess. Mia Goth plays the figure who drags him down deeper into the rabbit hole. No one could've played this role better than Goth. She is a fearless actress at the top of her form. She knows how to make herself terrifying and mesmerizing. The award-worthy performance here is the highlight of Infinity Pool.
So here is a film that does not limit itself, and never shies away from sensitive subject matters. Cronenberg's film contains more gore than Possessor, and also more sexual scenes, which are never erotic, but powerfully unsettling. There are many walkouts in my theater; People who are clearly not aware of what they are in for. If you are mentally prepared for Infinity Pool, do go for it.
I also appreciated Cronenberg more as a filmmaker. He is imaginative, visionary, with a specific talent for body horror. I think he will be satisfied knowing that his work gave me a headache, for better or worse. With the ear-pounding, distorted music and the distinctive close-ups of body parts, I don't think anyone else could've made this good a film with the material.
Alexander Skarsgård does well as James Foster, a novelist on vacation in an isolated resort with his partner (Cleopatra Coleman), who gets himself into a big, violent, terrifying mess. Mia Goth plays the figure who drags him down deeper into the rabbit hole. No one could've played this role better than Goth. She is a fearless actress at the top of her form. She knows how to make herself terrifying and mesmerizing. The award-worthy performance here is the highlight of Infinity Pool.
So here is a film that does not limit itself, and never shies away from sensitive subject matters. Cronenberg's film contains more gore than Possessor, and also more sexual scenes, which are never erotic, but powerfully unsettling. There are many walkouts in my theater; People who are clearly not aware of what they are in for. If you are mentally prepared for Infinity Pool, do go for it.