If you’re a fan of spine-chilling sci-fi horror films, then Brandon Cronenberg’s latest offering, Infinity Pool, is definitely one to add to your must-watch list. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth and Cleopatra Coleman, the film takes us on a dark journey that explores the terrifying consequences of a couple’s ill-fated decision to explore a mysterious country’s culture. Cronenberg’s direction, combined with the stellar cast’s outstanding performances, make for an intense and unforgettable cinematic experience. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to dive into the depths of horror with Infinity Pool.
S P O I L E R S
Plot
Novelist James Foster (Skarsgård) and his wife Em travel to a resort in the fictional seaside country of Li Tolqa where they meet a fan of James’s book and her husband. The four go on a drive and accidentally kill a local man. They learn of a unique system of justice in which for a fee, the guilty can be cloned and have their duplicates killed in their place. Foster pays to have his clone killed but becomes fascinated with the concept and stays longer. He is introduced to a group of tourists who engage in heinous crimes and pay to watch their duplicates get slaughtered. They encourage Foster to transform into a libertine criminal and abuse resort staff. Foster attempts to flee but is accosted by the tourist group, who orders him to kill a duplicate of himself to complete his transformation. He initially refuses, but when the clone attempts to kill him, Foster beats him to death. As the group heads back to the United States, Foster remains behind and sits alone amidst the downpour of the monsoon.
Character Development
Throughout the course of the film, Foster undergoes a profound transformation, both physically and emotionally, as he is gradually drawn into a world of crime and corruption. At the beginning of the film, Foster is portrayed as a somewhat hapless figure, struggling to find inspiration for his next novel and constantly bickering with his wife. However, as the story progresses, we see a darker side to his character emerge. The more he engages in this world of violence and depravity, the more he transforms into a libertine criminal, abusing the resort staff and participating in intoxicated orgies.
Despite these disturbing developments, Foster is not a one-dimensional character. He is plagued by feelings of guilt and remorse over his actions and struggles to reconcile his newfound identity with his previous moral convictions. In the end, he attempts to flee the country, but is accosted by the group of tourists who have taken a disturbing interest in his transformation. As a result of their coercion, Foster is forced to kill his own clone, an act that leaves him emotionally shattered.
In the final scene of the film, we see Foster sitting alone in the rain, having decided to stay behind in the country. His physical appearance is radically different from the beginning of the film, and his moral compass has been irreversibly altered. The character development of James Foster in Infinity Pool is a powerful portrayal of the corrupting influence of power and the human capacity for moral degradation.
Themes
Infinity Pool touches on a number of themes, including marriage, morality, corruption, and tourism.
One of the primary themes of the film is marriage and the difficulties that can arise in a relationship. James and Em’s marriage is strained, and the events that unfold in Li Tolqa only exacerbate their problems. The film explores the limits of love and loyalty, and the ways in which people can become disconnected from one another.
The theme of morality is also central to the film. Foster’s decision to participate in the cloning program raises important questions about the nature of guilt, punishment, and responsibility. The film invites the viewer to consider whether it is possible to absolve oneself of responsibility for a crime by paying for a clone to take their place. Additionally, the portrayal of the murder tourists, who commit heinous crimes and then pay to watch their clones get killed, raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role of the state in administering punishment.
Corruption is another central theme of the film. The corrupt officials of Li Tolqa are portrayed as being more interested in money and power than in justice or the welfare of their citizens. The cloning program itself is presented as a corrupt system, designed to allow the wealthy to evade punishment for their crimes.
Finally, the film explores the theme of tourism. The resort at which James and Em stay is presented as a sanitized version of Li Tolqa, designed to appeal to Western tourists. However, the dark underbelly of the country is eventually revealed, and the tourists become implicated in the corruption and violence of the local culture. The film raises important questions about the ethics of tourism and the ways in which Westerners can exploit and fetishize other cultures.
Conclusion
Brandon Cronenberg truly comes of age as a writer/director with Infinity Pool and out of his illustrious father’s shadow. Highly recommended!
Watch now on Amazon | Read our review of Possessor
… still there’s more …