"Infinity Pool": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
Brandon Cronenberg's searing use of tourism as a dramatic base is brutal in his third feature film, "Infinity Pool". It's no surprise from the Cronenberg family that a not-so-hidden message stays in full force throughout. What ended up being the biggest disappointment was how stale and mediocre the film's second half was. With a powerful opening and premise, one would think there's plenty of room to build upon its promising narrative. Yet it lacks consistent over-the-top violence, edgy science fiction, and three-dimensional characters.
Alexander Skarsgård can charm his way through any role, and Mia Goth plays her usual cartoony self (not totally sold on her acting style yet). However, there's no other standout in the acting category and no thoroughly evil enough villain to carry its thin plot line. The visual imagery can be striking, and there are a few solid jump scares, but none reach the chilling heights expected from Cronenberg. The frequent display of lifeless acting doesn't help, but it's the script that withers out and becomes a meandering slog.
Cronenberg's trademark practical effects are unmissable but remain underutilized. Despite "Infinity Pool" laying out some exciting concepts, not enough are fleshed out to care by the end. I've stayed ambiguous about its story throughout this review to conceal its intriguing first half, but just know going in that, ultimately, it's a lot of bark but no bite.
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