Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
#1
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Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Alexander Skarsgård is ready to dive headfirst into the Infinity Pool. The new sci-fi thriller comes from Brandon Cronenberg, the director behind the ultra-gory Possessor, which means it’s immediately a movie worth checking out. Neon, the distributors of Cronenberg’s previous film, are handling this one as well, along with Topic Studios. The story follows a rich couple on vacation. That’s good! But something dangerous is lurking beyond their hotel. That’s bad!
Possessor was my favorite movie of last year – a brutal, gruesome, fascinating blend of sci-fi and body horror. It was directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of David, and while the younger Cronenberg directed before Possessor, it was Possessor that made me sit up and take notice. I will watch whatever Brandon Cronenberg does next. And what he’s doing next is Infinity Pool, a sci-fi thriller from Neon.
Neon announced today that Alexander Skarsgård would star in the film, which is set to being principal photography on September 6. In Infinity Pool, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.”
How mysterious! The Infinity Pool title makes me think the story has something to do with immortality – a fountain of youth-type situation, perhaps? – but that’s just speculation on my part. And for all I know, the film will remain mysterious until it’s released. I knew next to nothing about Possessor when I saw it at the Sundance Fim Festival, and it knocked me on my ass.
Neon will co-finance and executive produce Infinity Pool alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery and Jonathan Halperyn co-producing for Hero Squared and Anita Juka for 4 Film. Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, and Emily Thomas will serve as executive producers for NEON, Michael Bloom, Maria Zuckerman and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios, and Hengameh Panahi and Charlotte Mickie for Celluloid Dreams. Neon will release Infinity Pool in the U.S. and Elevation Pictures will release the film in Canada.
Neon has seemingly become the new home for all-things-Cronenberg. Not only are they handling Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, but they’re also working on Crimes of the Future, the long-awaited directorial return of Brandon’s father, David Cronenberg. Crimes of the Future is going into production soon, with a cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Lea Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart.
Possessor was my favorite movie of last year – a brutal, gruesome, fascinating blend of sci-fi and body horror. It was directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of David, and while the younger Cronenberg directed before Possessor, it was Possessor that made me sit up and take notice. I will watch whatever Brandon Cronenberg does next. And what he’s doing next is Infinity Pool, a sci-fi thriller from Neon.
Neon announced today that Alexander Skarsgård would star in the film, which is set to being principal photography on September 6. In Infinity Pool, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.”
How mysterious! The Infinity Pool title makes me think the story has something to do with immortality – a fountain of youth-type situation, perhaps? – but that’s just speculation on my part. And for all I know, the film will remain mysterious until it’s released. I knew next to nothing about Possessor when I saw it at the Sundance Fim Festival, and it knocked me on my ass.
Neon will co-finance and executive produce Infinity Pool alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery and Jonathan Halperyn co-producing for Hero Squared and Anita Juka for 4 Film. Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, and Emily Thomas will serve as executive producers for NEON, Michael Bloom, Maria Zuckerman and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios, and Hengameh Panahi and Charlotte Mickie for Celluloid Dreams. Neon will release Infinity Pool in the U.S. and Elevation Pictures will release the film in Canada.
Neon has seemingly become the new home for all-things-Cronenberg. Not only are they handling Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, but they’re also working on Crimes of the Future, the long-awaited directorial return of Brandon’s father, David Cronenberg. Crimes of the Future is going into production soon, with a cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Lea Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart.
#2
DVD Talk Hero
re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
While I still think Possessor would have been better slightly condensed (ie: Black Mirror episode length), I'm on board with anything he does moving forward.
#3
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Thread Starter
re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Up next from Antiviral and Possessor director Brandon Cronenberg is the sci-fi movie Infinity Pool for NEON and Topic Studios, which boasts a cast including Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman). This week we’ve learned that the upcoming movie has received an “NC-17” rating from the MPA, with an appeal currently underway.
For now, Infinity Pool has been rated “NC-17” for…
“Some graphic violence and sexual content.”
We’re hearing that NEON is intending on appealing to the C.A.R.A. Appeals Board, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Either way, this one is very much on our radar at the moment!
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård (“Big Little Lies”, Godzilla Vs. Kong, The Little Drummer Girl, The Hummingbird Project, Hold the Dark, and upcoming The Northman) will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool. Skarsgård will further serve as executive producer.”
In the film, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.”
NEON will co-finance and executive produce the sci-fi thriller alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery and Jonathan Halperyn co-producing for Hero Squared and Anita Juka for 4 Film. Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, and Emily Thomas will serve as executive producers for NEON, Michael Bloom, Maria Zuckerman and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios, and Hengameh Panahi and Charlotte Mickie for Celluloid Dreams.
NEON will release Infinity Pool in the U.S. and Elevation Pictures will release the film in Canada.
For now, Infinity Pool has been rated “NC-17” for…
“Some graphic violence and sexual content.”
We’re hearing that NEON is intending on appealing to the C.A.R.A. Appeals Board, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Either way, this one is very much on our radar at the moment!
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård (“Big Little Lies”, Godzilla Vs. Kong, The Little Drummer Girl, The Hummingbird Project, Hold the Dark, and upcoming The Northman) will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool. Skarsgård will further serve as executive producer.”
In the film, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.”
NEON will co-finance and executive produce the sci-fi thriller alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery and Jonathan Halperyn co-producing for Hero Squared and Anita Juka for 4 Film. Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, and Emily Thomas will serve as executive producers for NEON, Michael Bloom, Maria Zuckerman and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios, and Hengameh Panahi and Charlotte Mickie for Celluloid Dreams.
NEON will release Infinity Pool in the U.S. and Elevation Pictures will release the film in Canada.
#4
Moderator
Thread Starter
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime: either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
That summary sounds like many horror movies I've already seen.
#6
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Are you saying you think you already Saw this movie?
ETA: Ah shit, I was thinking of Hostel, not Saw. I was too focused on making the joke that I forgot it was a totally different movie.
ETA: Ah shit, I was thinking of Hostel, not Saw. I was too focused on making the joke that I forgot it was a totally different movie.
Last edited by Paff; 12-12-22 at 12:51 AM.
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#7
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
I thought the trailer looked great.
Reviews are now trickling in: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inf...ometer-reviews
Reviews are now trickling in: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inf...ometer-reviews
#8
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Thread Starter
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Yea, looks like there was fun to be had at the Sundance screening. 
I’ll definitely be checking this out next week. Tickets are already on sale.

I’ll definitely be checking this out next week. Tickets are already on sale.
#9
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Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Can't be any more disappointing than CotF. 
If I'm not too busy/tired, I might try to pull off a double feature of this and Women Talking, on Thursday.

If I'm not too busy/tired, I might try to pull off a double feature of this and Women Talking, on Thursday.
#11
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
A movie featuring clones from a director making weird divisive body horror films like his dad.
#12
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
#13
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Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
#14
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
This is up to 88% with 68 reviews on the ol 'mater Meter
#16
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
On a scale of bleh/yikes to woot, where abouts is oof?
#17
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Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth

I know the version in cinemas is the R cut, but even Cronenberg has said the NC-17 version doesn't add that much. I'll rewatch it for that, I guess.
That said...
(early movie semi-spoiler)
Spoiler:
more like a 5/10 overall though.
#18
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
This felt like a combination of Frankenheimer's Seconds and Brian Yuzna's Society.
I kinda dug it.
What kept me from loving it was that Skarsgard's character was too passive and hollow for me to become emotionally invested in the increasingly nutty storyline. It's basically scene after scene of him being tricked/manipulated into doing outrageous things, which I guess is the point of his emasculated character (an untalented, failed writer dependent on his wife's money), but it didn't make for a compelling dramatic arc. I was also expecting it to be a bit more edgier and twisted than it actually was. Despite some graphic sexual imagery and the story's outrageous premise, it feels less daring in narrative and outcome than, say, his father's Videodrome from decades earlier.
Still, there were enough stylish flourishes and quirky plot twists throughout to keep my eyes fixated to the screen and there is an interesting revelation at the end concerning Skarsgard's character, which makes things more ambiguous.
Not surprisingly, Mia Goth steals the film with her fiercely unrestrained (some might say over the top) performance and there is a wild psychedelic orgy sequence which almost gave me an epileptic seizure -- and I don't have epilepsy.
I kinda dug it.
What kept me from loving it was that Skarsgard's character was too passive and hollow for me to become emotionally invested in the increasingly nutty storyline. It's basically scene after scene of him being tricked/manipulated into doing outrageous things, which I guess is the point of his emasculated character (an untalented, failed writer dependent on his wife's money), but it didn't make for a compelling dramatic arc. I was also expecting it to be a bit more edgier and twisted than it actually was. Despite some graphic sexual imagery and the story's outrageous premise, it feels less daring in narrative and outcome than, say, his father's Videodrome from decades earlier.
Still, there were enough stylish flourishes and quirky plot twists throughout to keep my eyes fixated to the screen and there is an interesting revelation at the end concerning Skarsgard's character, which makes things more ambiguous.
Not surprisingly, Mia Goth steals the film with her fiercely unrestrained (some might say over the top) performance and there is a wild psychedelic orgy sequence which almost gave me an epileptic seizure -- and I don't have epilepsy.
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#19
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
I really want to see this but don't know whether to go to the theater or wait for VOD. I have a gift card to the theater showing it, so it won't be any money lost on me, but I want to see a movie that's worthwhile and not just more torture porn.
#20
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
I've got tickets to see it tomorrow - for $5 with free popcorn.
Worth the $5 just to get away from my wife and teenage son for 2 hours
Worth the $5 just to get away from my wife and teenage son for 2 hours

#21
Formerly FunkDaddy J; DVD Talk Reviewer Emeritus
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
#22
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Yeah. I prefer movies that have a narrative. This movie seemed to start off in a promising narrative direction but then devolved into abstract horrific/"shocking" imagery in place of anything that actually means anything. A few more passes at the second and third acts of the screenplay might have produced something interesting.
I did like the jarring ending, though, where ...
Spoiler:
Last edited by Kmical; 02-01-23 at 10:17 AM.
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#23
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
What kept me from loving it was that Skarsgard's character was too passive and hollow for me to become emotionally invested in the increasingly nutty storyline. It's basically scene after scene of him being tricked/manipulated into doing outrageous things, which I guess is the point of his emasculated character (an untalented, failed writer dependent on his wife's money), but it didn't make for a compelling dramatic arc.
Given the overall themes in the film, I didn't know of Skarsgard's character was meant to be played this way or if it was a flat performance.
#24
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
Gonna peep on VOD when it drops. Kinda surprised how positive the reviews are from a majority of film critics.
#25
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Infinity Pool (2023, D: B. Cronenberg) - S: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth
PVOD tomorrow. Just in time for Valentines Day.
